Breaking news, blogs and more at TCNJSignal.net. Vol. XLVI, No. 3
Students stand by refugees in crisis By Chelsea LoCascio Editor-in-Chief
From the comfort of her bed in America, Abrar Ebady checks in with a Syrian refugee living in a war zone via the messaging app WhatsApp, unsure if anyone is on the other end. “I WhatsApp her to console myself and know that she’s alive,” said Ebady, a senior psychology major at the College. “I can’t send her money — I don’t know what the banking is like — I can’t do anything… and the only glimmer of hope was us taking the pin drop in the ocean of the amount of refugees.” Ebady, an Egyptian American of Turkish descent and Muslim faith, interned for the Syrian American Medical Association — an education and humanitarian organization for healthcare professionals — in Amman, Jordan over the summer. While she was listening to the stories of traumatized refugees, she met a woman and her daughter who had escaped the horrors of Syria to seek refuge in Jordan. “Everyone I met at the clinic had trauma,” Ebady said. “Currently, it’s a war zone where she’s living. ... (On my first or
February 8, 2017
Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885
Campaign hits $40 million milestone By Connor Smith Managing Editor
College continues construction work By George Tatoris News Editor
Walking around campus, you see two types of people: those with hard hats and those without. Campus construction has become an ubiquitous part of life at the College. From the fenced-off and refurbished Brower Student Center to the hollowedout halls of the new STEM Building to the bare-windowed storefronts of Campus Town, the College seems to be under perpetual construction. Campus Town Campus Town is beginning to shape up as more companies come in. Brickwall Tavern and Restaurant remains the most anticipated project, having originally been projected to open summer of 2016, according to an NJ.com article from January 2016. However, students looking to find a place to drink within walking distance of campus may be dismayed to see the space leased out to Brickwall see BUILD page 5
experiences with refugees. When President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 27 that suspended immigration and restricted entry into the U.S. for see CRISIS page 3
see DONOR page 2
Photo courtesy of Olivia Donini
Refugees in Germany show off donated socks. second day,) she was so excited that I was there, she just took out her camera and took a picture of me. ... She’s very welcoming and very typical of the Arab culture: hospitable, loving and sweet. You felt the love and kindness radiate
When the College began The Campaign for TCNJ four years ago, consultants claimed it would be difficult to raise $25 million by June 2017, according to College Spokesperson Dave Muha. Instead, the College nearly doubled that estimate — with four months to spare. President R. Barbara Gitenstein announced the campaign hit its $40 million milestone on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at a breakfast with campus leaders. “I’ve always felt that if we were to undertake the enormous effort of mounting a comprehensive campaign, we would have to do better,” Gitenstein said, according to a press release. “And so, $40 million was our stretch goal.” A $100,000 gift from alumnus Leo Kelly (’97), which went to students from Allentown, N.J.; Bordentown, N.J.; and Trenton, N.J., pushed the campaign over the $40 million milestone, according to the press release. For students, this means scholarships, facilities and academic enrichment will all be bolstered thanks to the donors’ generosity. Of the money raised, $20 million will go toward
from her.” Without any government assistance, the refugee had to return to Syria. Ever since, Ebady has wondered if she is alive. Ebady is one of many students at the College affected by their
Andre catches College with his pants down By Thomas Infante Arts & Entertainment Editor In between raving like a madman and saying blunt, uncomfortable statements, comedian Eric Andre spotted junior communication studies major Nick Wodeshick sitting in the front row, wearing a Bob Saget shirt. After complementing the shirt, Andre commanded Wodeshick to take it off in front of the audience. “I felt pretty excited and starstruck when he noticed the shirt,” Wodeshick said. “I didn’t expect him to ask me to take it off. It went from ‘Wow, Eric Andre noticed me’ to ‘Wow, I’m stripping for Eric Andre.’” Although Wodeshick was wearing an undershirt, Andre immediately started talking about his love of large nipples after Wodeshick sat down. Kendall Hall was packed on Friday, Feb. 3, for the College Union Board’s Welcome Back Comedy Show. Comedian Jordan Carlos, best known for his appearance on the MTV2 show “Guy Code,” opened for Andre. Carlos, who could have been Andre’s twin, covered a variety of topics with a more laidback approach. He incorporated impressions and personal stories into his jokes about race, relationships and New Jersey.
INDEX: Nation & World / page 7 Editorial / page 8 ‘A Better Nectar’ Follow us at... Art exhibit teaches as well as inspires The Signal See A&E page 12 @tcnjsignal
Jason Proleika / Photo Editor
Andre makes things absurd on Kendall’s mainstage.
Andre took the stage after Carlos, telling the audience to “spread your legs and get comfortable.” His presence radiated a manic energy throughout the audience members, many of whom were familiar with his show, “The Eric Andre Show.” On his show, Andre conducts outlandish interviews with a litany of guests, often shocking them with uncomfortable and strange questions. “This is a nice place,” he said looking around the Kendall theater. “Let’s tear it
Opinions / page 9
Arts & Entertainment / page 12
down!” Wearing bright red Nike sneakers, he kicked the microphone stand over and then did the same to every object on the stage. Andre interspersed personal details about his life throughout the madness. A proficient double-bass player, Andre graduated from the Berklee College of Music in 2005, which he called “bullshit.” He also referred to himself as “Blewish,” a combination of Black and Jewish. see ANDRE page 12 Features / page 17
Sports / page 24
Git ‘er done What Gitenstein should be thinking about
Men’s Basketball Lions topple No. 7 Roadrunners
See Features page 17
See Sports page 24
page 2 The Signal February 8, 2017
SG talks Travers-Wolfe, Loser and mascots
Vice President of Student Services Lindsay Thomas said the College is planning to start a mascot program, which would give students the chance to get paid to dress up as Roscoe the Lion. Currently, if an organization or club wants someone to dress up as Roscoe, they have to fill out a form and pick up the suit and just put someone in the costume. This program would have several students interview to be Roscoe. “(Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life) Dave Conner is actually willing to pay for those students to go to University of Delaware’s mascot camp,” Thomas said. “If your organization is throwing an event and you want Roscoe, this person will put on the costume and actually be a mascot.” Vice President of Community Relations Michael O’Connor said he hopes to get Adirondack chairs out on campus for students to enjoy this semester. Jason Proleika / Photo Editor “They’ll go great with Chris’s hamStudents discuss Loser Hall’s namesake. mocks,” he said. By Megan Kelly they will not be coming back just because of Paul Loser, was discovered to have actively Cassie Kriegel, Vice President of DiverStaff Writer the cost to maintain them,” he said. opposed the desegregation of Trenton pub- sity and Inclusion, announced two upcomOne of Blakely’s goals for the semester lic schools. ing events this semester. The Black History Student Government discussed the Tow- is to get hammocks in places across cam“They’re going to discuss (the renam- Mobile Museum will be in room 212 of the er renovation project, renaming Loser Hall pus for students to sit and relax in, although ing), but also anything on the broader scale Education Building from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and a mascot training program at the first nothing is settled yet. of social justice,” Kim said. on Feb. 28. meeting of the spring semester on Wednes“I’m working with (Curt HeuVice President of Academic AfIn addition, actor and psychologist Myday, Feb. 1. ring, vice president for Adminisfairs Alex Molder was absent from kee Fowlin will lecture on March 2 in Mayo Vice President of Administration and Fi- tration) and a couple other people the meeting, but hopes to change Hall at 7 p.m. nance Chris Blakely updated everyone on right now to finalize this hammock the way students fill out their The senior and junior class councils upthe Towers’ renovation, stating that differ- idea,” Blakely said. course evaluation forms. dated everyone on their class events. The ent architectural firms have been asked to President Kevin Kim gave an update “He’s meeting with (Chief Information Class of 2017 is hosting a Senior Night at submit plans for remodeling the freshmen on the Loser Hall renaming initiative, say- Officer and Vice President for Information Triumph Brewery in Princeton, N.J., on dorms. One of the project’s goals is to create ing that a commission on social justice will Technology) Sharon Blanton in the next few Feb. 21. a single entrance into the Towers instead of be formed comprising students, faculty and weeks to look at rewriting the course evaluThe Class of 2018 is hosting TCNJ’s Got two to promote unity, according to Blakely. staff. The commission will decide how to ation forms. … He wants to make them a Talent on April 13 in Kendall Hall, as well “There will be air conditioning and Wi- handle the possible renaming of Loser Hall lot more engaging and easier for students to as a Flower-Gram from Monday, Feb. 13, to Fi in the buildings. … That’s a guarantee,” after students called for a name-change last do,” Student Trustee Dana Disarno said as Tuesday, Feb. 14. The flowers will be sold page 20 The Signal August 31, 2016from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Eickhoff Hall. Blakely said. “Also the sinks… most likely semester after the building’s namesake, she read a message from Molder.
Donor / Alumni donations raise bar
The campaign’s $40 million means better facilities and more. continued from page 1
student scholarships and $14 million will benefit the student experience, according to Muha. Examples of fundraising priorities include $500,000 for annual full-tuition scholarships, while student enrichment goals include travel scholarships, athletic travel, the lecture series and more. The campaign also sought to ensure the STEM Complex provides access to modern labs and cross-disciplinary environments. Vice President for College Advancement John P. Donohue told The Signal that this goal was a massive undertaking. “There was so many things that TCNJ excels in: the academics, the student life and those things. And fundraising had lagged a little bit behind,” Donohue said. “I think it demonstrated that alumni really do care about the financial burden that students are carrying, and trying to alleviate that. I think it really helped us fine tune our messages, back to alumni and other people that want to support the College.” Donohue also emphasized the generosity of 11,891 donors, which includes students, faculty, alumni and anyone interested in the College’s success. “This was not a campaign of a handful of really big gifts,” he said. “Students have been fabulous. When we had our Day of Giving, students (were) lining
DiD you watch the Super Bowl??
File photo
up outside of Eickhoff. Faculty and staff have been very active and very generous. Meeting with donors and the alumni and our volunteers have been extraordinary.” While the College’s name has changed several times throughout the years, Donohue thanks the alumni for making the College what it is today. “What we tell folks is that the only reason TCNJ is as good as it is now is because they were as good as they were when they were here,” he said. “I think that’s resonated with folks. Everyone wants to be a part of this institution, whatever its name was. It’s been pretty exciting and rewarding to talk to some older alums.” While campaign co-Chairs Allen Silk and alumna Barbara Meyers Pelson (’59) were thankful to every donor who made this campaign a success, both expressed interest in pushing beyond to goal in the coming months. “This campaign has never been about simply reaching a dollar goal,” Silk and Pelson wrote in a message to volunteers, according to the press release. “Its purpose is to provide the vital support the college needs to fulfill its important mission — to continue to innovate, inspire and engage future generations of students.” The campaign will continue until June 30, and both co-chairs encourage donors to join in on the ¨historic moment.”
Do you enjoy watching sports? Why not try writing for the sports section of The Signal? Contact the Sports Editor: gonzam23@tcnj.edu Located in room 204 in Forcina Hall. Meetings every Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
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February 8, 2017 The Signal page 3
Crisis / Students travel abroad to aid refugees
continued from page 1
nationals from Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Syria and Yemen, it hit people like Ebady “like a ton of bricks.” The first week “My heart hurts,” Ebady said. “Even when I talk about it, my heart starts beating faster. I get really anxious because I genuinely feel — and I know this is an irrational thought — but I feel like I failed the people that I met. … It’s like when people see someone from America, they see you as a promise. You’re that glimmer of hope.” The executive order even prompted a response from College President R. Barbara Gitenstein, who sent an email to the College community on Jan. 30. “While I strongly believe in the need to take actions that will protect our citizens and the country, I have deep reservations about the specifics of these particular actions,” the email read. “The College of New Jersey has been enriched immeasurably by the contributions of students, faculty and staff from other countries. Indeed, our national heritage is built on welcoming and embracing the vitality and difference that comes from these kinds of contributions.” In her email, Gitenstein also said she endorses the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’s statement that asks the Trump administration to reconsider the executive order. In addition, she signed a statement along with more than 600 other higher education presidents in the fall that urged the federal government to consider the circumstances of younger people who were “childhood arrivals” from other countries. “TCNJ will continue to provide support and protection for our students, faculty and staff as allowed by law,” the email read. “Information about the national origin or immigration status of a TCNJ student or employee is private and will not be disclosed without the
Photo courtesy of Olivia Donini
Refugee children learn math, German and English in the village.
consent of the individual except as required by law, such as pursuant to a valid subpoena or court order.” The Signal published a response from faculty members at the College, who penned a letter to Gitenstein asking her to “denounce the executive order.” “We’re asking you to take a public stand because this executive order is also an assault on institutions of higher education,” the letter read. “This ban will diminish the College’s efforts to be a site of international cooperation and will compromise the transnational production of knowledge. Under this ban, it is quite possible that international students, faculty, staff and researchers will be excluded from our campus, and that some will be stranded away from their families.” Refugees worldwide Several students at the College left their families behind to witness the refugee crisis for themselves. Since Fall 2016, the College’s Heidelberg exchange program has brought students to the
Patrick Henry Village in Germany to study the refugee crisis up close, according to Karen Becker, an associate professor of marketing. “It was my hope that this course and the associated service would allow our students to develop their worldview and meet refugees from all over the world,” Becker said. “I believe one of the only ways we can create understanding and move toward a more peaceful world is through cultural understanding, and this course and service was designed to increase understanding and build empathy.” The village temporarily houses refugees from Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, according to senior marketing major Nicholas Maldarelli. There, he met a Sri Lankan boy he calls “J” who taught Maldarelli Tamil, his native language. In return, Maldarelli taught him English and Russian. “This boy had a resounding laugh and jubilant personality,” Maldarelli said. “His broken English was not a barrier in our friendship. … We found similarities and used that common ground to develop a strong friendship that transcended everything I had come
to understand about refugees and friendship thus far.” According to Maldarelli, J was at the village because his late father was executed for an anti-government coup intended to bring justice to the low- and middle-class Sri Lankans who have been extorted and scared through fearbased tactics from their government. “In my time with J and other children of parents seeking asylum in Germany, I learned that these people were not terrorists, but rather victims of terror,” Maldarelli said. “My eyes and heart were open to hear their stories, share in their tears and do everything in my power to make their troubles of finding a home a little more bearable.” Olivia Donini, a junior psychology major, is currently studying and volunteering in the Heidelberg village, which comprises about 2,000 refugees who are waiting to be granted asylum or be forced to leave. “We are all humans,” Donini said. “Although we may come from different locations, have different family dynamics and beliefs, we all are the same in that we were born on this Earth and given the chance to live a fair and happy life.” Donini admits that being abroad has made her a little disconnected from what is happening in America, but she believes that under any circumstances, a ban is against her fundamental beliefs. “I think safety is an issue to keep in mind, but I wholeheartedly do not believe that what we are doing right now is morally right,” Donini said. “These people are fleeing their home countries because of issues bigger than some of us can imagine. … And when they come asking the rest of the world for help, regardless of if they are asking America or another country, they deserve kindness, fairness and the help that they need.” Donini believes people should try to be more empathetic. see ABROAD page 4
SFB funds spring play and Persian New Year feast
SFB tables UGC Social over concerns that it’s a recruitment event. By Olivia Rizzo Staff Writer The Student Finance Board carefully considered the purpose of the Unified Greek Council Social, and the board approved funding for a variety of on-campus celebrations and productions at their most recent meeting. The Unified Greek Council returned after its request for funding was tabled at the last meeting. Ultimately, the board concluded that they could not fund the event due to concerns about its main purpose. The organization was seeking $545 to cover the cost of catering and utensils for its event called UGC Social, originally titled Kickback TCNJ. The purpose of the event is “to create a stress-free atmosphere where TCNJ Greeks and non-Greeks can come together to relax and enjoy each other’s company. This event will ensure to bridge the gap between those who are in greek life and those who are looking to join,” the proposal packet read. Board members were concerned that the main purpose of the event was membership recruitment. According to the
Jason Proleika / Photo Editor
SFB constitution, the Student Activity Fee cannot be spent on membership recruitment. Members also argued that inspiring interest in membership was an underlying benefit of hosting the event, rather than its main purpose. All College Theatre received full funding for two events. An Evening of Shorts, a production of four student-directed one-act plays, was allocated $3,590. Funding covers the cost of scripts and royalties, props, costumes, scenery and Kendall staff charges. The event will take place on April 21 and April 22 in the Don Evans Black Box Theater. ACT also received funding in the amount of $4,000 for its spring production of “Stop Kiss.” The extra funding will cover the costs of Kendall Hall fees. The production will run from March 1 to March 4 in the Don Evans Black Box Theater. Eurasia Middle East Society received $4,365 in funding for its Nowruz Celebration. “Nowruz is the celebration of the Persian New Year and Spring Equinox that has been celebrated in the Middle East, Central Asia, parts of Western Asia and the Balkans,”
according to the proposal packet. The celebration will include a concert, discussion of history and traditions of the holiday and a dinner featuring traditional food. Funding will cover the costs of food, decorations, advertising and entertainment. The Nowruz Celebration will take place on March 27 at 7 p.m. in room 212 of the Education Building. The Haitian Student Association received $3,917.96 in funding for Ambiance. “Ambiance is a celebration showcasing Haitian culture and traditions via music, dance, food and comedy,” the proposal packet read. Funding will cover the costs of food, decorations and utensils. Additionally, the board tabled a vote on the cost of musical performances and a DJ, as they were unsure if funding two forms of musical entertainment is financially responsible and vital to the success of the event. Ambiance will take place on March 4 at 7 p.m. in the Decker Social Space. Chi Upsilon Sigma was fully funded $2,707.55 for its second annual Paint Your Stress Away with a Twist. The organization will bring in local artist Louie Blaka to facilitate a paint night with students as a form of stress management. Students will also learn about another form of stress management through aromatherapy with essential oils from members of the organization, according to the proposal packet. Funding will cover the costs of the instructor’s rate and painting materials, essential oils, and water and pretzels for refreshment. The event will take place on March 25 at 8:30 p.m. in room 112 of the Education Building. TCNJ Ski and Snowboard Club was fully funded $1,718.20 to cover the cost of bussing for its trip to Mountain Creek. “This trip will bring together like-minded individuals who have a common interest in snow sports,” the proposal packet read. A charter bus will bring students to and from Mountain Creek on Feb. 18.
page 4 The Signal February 8, 2017
Speaker reveals what’s buzzing with bumble bees By Julie Burke Correspondent
Students learned a new word on Friday, Feb. 3 — “umwelt.” Anne Leonard, an assistant professor of ecology evolution and conservation biology at the University of Nevada, Reno, explained the term at the College’s first Brown Bag of the semester, “Exploring the sensory world of bees through science and art.” The term refers to the different ways animals experience the world — a key component of Leonard’s research. Leonard used the example of a meadow occupied by both a human and a tick to explain “umwelt.” While the human appreciates the meadow’s beauty, the tick appreciates the human based on butyric acid, which creates a scent indicating a mammal is present, as well as the temperature and placement of hair — or lack thereof — on the human’s body. The warmth, butyric acid and lack of hair indicate prime spots for ticks. Leonard’s research aims to understand a bee’s umwelt, or how they process floral information for pollination. She talked about her interest in the complex functions of floral signals, of which there are two categories: floral signal complexities and floral reward complexities. For bees, the act of pollination involves a lot of sensory input. Leonard described it as “a multisensory experience that incorporates gustatory, tactile, olfactory and visual components.” Leonard discovered how bees use their senses during pollination by manipulating nectar — some nectar would give the bee a high reward, a medium reward, no reward or a toxic reaction. Toxic nectar was dusted with unpleasing substances like nicotine. Leonard also explained the plant’s perspective during pollination — plants
Leonard explains how bees perceive the world.
need the bees to carry their nectar and pollinate the same plant type. “(It’s) beneficial to the plant to produce a pleasuring floral display,” Leonard said. Leonard explained the work in her lab experiments in Reno, Nev., used East Coast bumble bees in her experiments. Leonard said bumble bees, which are native to North America, are on the decline. Leonard also noted how the East Coast bumble bees are compact and live within a small colony. Although the bumble bees used in the lab never encountered an actual flower, they did not have the knowledge to know they were missing out on real flowers, she said. Leonard used artificial flowers in the experiment to highlight properties of flowers that could be isolated and
David Colby / Staff Photographer
controlled. Bumble bees were tagged in order for Leonard to observe the bees’ reactions over time. In the experiments, she explored what the bees see and what the floral patterns mean to them. Leonard’s research aimed to understand the multisensory components involved in the world of bees, including how they see. Professor of ophthalmology at the University of Münich Carl von Hess hypothesized in 1912 that bees were color blind. However, two years later, Karl von Frisch, a zoology assistant at the same university, proved him wrong. In Frisch’s experiment, bees were placed in tubes with colored paper. This elegant, but simple experiment demonstrated how bees could locate yellow on a pattern. Frisch continued working on this behavior and eventually won the
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1973. Leonard’s experiment was a modern approach to Frisch’s experiment. She explained how the reflectance and irradiance of flowers can be combined with an animal’s cone sensitivities, or color receptors, and types of wave lengths used by animals. It was noted that not all animals have three types of color receptors, for example, dolphins only have one. Good color vision comes from three receptors, which can be found in bees, humans, primates and marsupials. Leonard closed the presentation by discussing how artist Jessica Rath’s exhibit, “A Better Nectar,” in the TCNJ Art Gallery brings its audience inside Leonard’s work. Rath took pictures of her research and made a research station that highlights the methods, disappointments and frustrations of Leonard’s sensory experiments, and Leonard wrote an essay to accompany Rath’s sensory bee experience. Leonard described Rath’s art as abstract, beautiful pieces that were created with an indirect education on the topic she knew so well. In the Q&A portion, Leonard discussed how the focus of her research was on vision and function, but that all multisensory aspects, such as touch, could be explored in future research. She also equated bees to “bomb-sniffing bees” due to their ability to detect different chemicals. One audience member asked Leonard if her perspective on her experiments or research questions changed once Rath started documenting the research with her art. Rath’s art gave Leonard the chance to see the research from a new perspective, while it educated and reached a different audience, she said.
Abroad / Campus community jarred by refugee executive order continued from page 3
“I cannot imagine being forced from my place of comfort, safety and identity,” she said. “We need to stand up for the refugees, for ourselves and for the existence of humankind. This reality could happen to any one of us, and we have to put ourselves in their shoes — which some may not even have — in order to generate the natural empathy and understanding that is the basis of life.” Checks and balances The controversial executive order has seen some recent impediments since it was signed. U.S. District Senior Judge James Robart of Seattle issued a nationwide restraining order on Friday, Feb. 3, that blocks the travel ban, according to USA Today. As a result, airlines were told that the U.S. government would reinstate previously cancelled travel visas, as well as allow refugees with processing U.S. visas to
enter, the same source reported. A federal appeals court denied the Justice Department’s request on Sunday, Feb. 5, to reinstate the president’s executive order, according to The Wall Street Journal. United or divided?
“So, here you are too foreign for home too foreign for here. Never enough for both.” - Ijeoma Umebinyuo
After reading Umebinyuo’s words off her phone, Ebady said the poem is the only way to convey her experiences abroad and in the U.S. “No matter where I go in the world, I’m American. But in America, I’m a threat,” she said. Ebady believes that this order resulted from fear and a lack of understanding of her Muslim faith.
“My religion really does promote peace, equality,” Ebady said. “My religion doesn’t hate. … In fact, it teaches you that if you kill one person, it’s as if you’ve killed all of mankind and to save one life — it’s as if you’ve saved all of mankind. … That’s really what motivates me — my religion — to be a better person.” Ebady said she has diverse friends with diverse beliefs — some who are Muslims and others who are non-Muslims, some that believe refugees should be welcomed and others that think they should be turned away from entering the U.S. “We’re so used to hanging out with people who share the same political ideologies,” Ebady said. “We’re actually limiting ourselves, and we’re, in an essence, creating this segregation that’s dividing us. “You should be able to sit down with someone of the opposing party and be able to entertain them, entertain their thoughts,” she added. “We’re all products of our environment, products of our upbringing and products of our exposure.”
Photos courtesy of Abrar Ebady
Left: Ebady and her co-workers provide free psychology services to refugees. Right: Many of Ebady’s co-workers are refugees themselves.
Ring to be destroyed, hobbits not involved
February 8, 2017 The Signal page 5
By Brielle Bryan Production Manager
• On Jan. 31 at 11:54 p.m., Campus Police responded to a call from two students in Decker Hall who suspected a controlled dangerous substance was in a nearby room. The students knocked on the door where the smell appeared to be coming from, but when no one answered, one of the students entered the room and found a glass jar containing green vegetation, which was believed to be marijuana, police said. Upon the officer’s arrival, the officer met with the two students who reported what they found and collected the evidence. • On Jan. 29 at 12:54 a.m., a Wolfe Hall resident reported his intoxicated roommate to Campus Police. The officer said the student seemed alert and conscious. However, he was lying in a bed of vomit with a trash can at his side, police said. The officer said he could smell the alcohol emanating from the student’s breath as he said, “I had too much to drink.” The officer also noticed that the student was slurring speech, and he later admitted to having three or four vodka drinks. Two other students were
there tending to the intoxicated student. They said they went to a soccer house party and returned around 12:30 a.m. because their intoxicated friend wasn’t feeling well, according to reports. The roommate who reported the incident was not at the party, but inside the dorm all night. At 12:56 a.m., TCNJ EMS arrived on the scene to assess the intoxicated student. At 1:05 a.m., Pro-Staff arrived on the scene and determined that the intoxicated student did not require any medical attention. • On Jan. 29, Campus Police was dispatched to the Travers Hall lobby area regarding an intoxicated male. The officer arrived at the dorm and met with a CA who reported an intoxicated male stumbling into Travers Hall with two other males. The officer spoke with the male student who seemed to be intoxicated, and the student admitted to drinking six or seven beers. His speech was slurred and he appeared to have urinated on himself, police said. The two males with him reported bringing him to Travers Hall from a field hockey party at an unknown house across from the softball field. TCNJ EMS arrived and provided
patient care. The intoxicated student was issued a summons for underage drinking, according to Campus Police.
• On Jan. 30 at 9:50 a.m., Campus Police received a report from a professor at the College about harassment they received in the mail from an anonymous source. The professor told the officer that she wrote an opinion-based article about the Trump administration and the women’s march on Washington for an open source publication, according to police. The envelope was addressed to her as a professor at the College, and contained a newsletter, but no direct threats were made toward her. There are no current suspects, police said. • A wedding band found on the sidewalk of Kendall Hall was turned into Campus Police in 2015. Inscribed on the inside of the wedding band are the names “Richard & Lorra.” According to Campus Police, the band appears to belong to a female and to be around a size 7. Campus Police have posted the wedding band on their Facebook page and must discard of it soon due to protocol. Campus Police ask that anybody with information about the ring contact them directly. • On Jan. 26, a senior repairer
stated that at approximately 10 a.m., the lock cylinder of the women’s locker room on the first floor of Packer Hall was possibly tampered with, as it was hanging from the door. At 1:30 p.m., Campus Police arrived at the scene to investigate the lock. The senior repairer believed the scratch marks on the outer rim of the lock cylinder were possibly caused by pliers, according to police reports. He told the officer that the door to the women’s locker room was properly secured in the evening at some unknown time on Jan. 25. The men’s locker room, adjacent to the women’s locker room, had similar markings on its lock cylinder, however, it was working properly. The senior repairer told the officer on the scene that he would reinstall the lock, according to Campus Police.
• On Jan. 27, Campus Police arrived at Eickhoff Hall around 10 p.m. after receiving a report about a missing laptop. Upon arrival, the cleaning staff were with the student who made the call. He said he lost his book bag with his laptop inside, according to police reports. The student said he searched the dining hall and eventually found his bag sitting on a bench near the main entrance, but his laptop was missing.
The cleaning staff all stated they knew nothing about the book bag or the missing laptop, police said. The student told the officer the laptop’s serial number, and it was entered into the National Crime Information Center, a computerized index of criminal justice information. • At 8:45 p.m. on Jan. 27, a Wolfe Hall resident’s boyfriend lost his wallet while visiting her at the College. He had his wallet in his possession when he arrived on campus at 8 p.m. From 8:45 p.m. to 11:54 p.m., the couple retraced their footsteps and had negative results. Campus Police was dispatched to Lot 7 and arrived at approximately 11:54 p.m. No wallet was found that night, and the officer advised the male visitor to contact Campus Police if he found it. On Jan. 28 at 1:18 a.m., Campus Police was advised that a student from the College found the
missing wallet and returned the wallet to the male visitor at his girlfriend’s dorm. All of the contents of the wallet were present, according to Campus Police. • On Jan. 29 at about 2:07 a.m., Campus Police was dispatched to Wolfe Hall regarding criminal mischief. Upon arrival, the officer met with a Community Adviser who reported that someone broke the ceiling light fixture, as well as the light fixture above the mirror and sink. The CA was advised by a Wolfe resident that while he was in his room, he heard three loud bangs, followed by three additional loud bands and the sound of glass breaking. He told the police officer he didn’t see anyone in the area. Campus Police took photos of the damage. Anyone with information can contact Campus Police at 609-771-2345.
Photo courtesy of Campus Police
Campus Police found this ring in 2015.
Build / Construction projects to last through summer continued from page 1
barren save for a coming soon poster on the window. The owners of Brickwall just recently got their permits into the Department of Community Affairs and are getting approval for aspects of the project one by one, according to Greg Lentine, director of campus development and vice president of sales and marketing at PRC Group. “There were a lot of things that had to happen with (Brickwall) in order for them to move forward, and one of the biggest things for them is the guarantee of the availability of a liquor license,” Lentine said. “That took some time to get organized. ... That’s done.” New Jersey has some of the strictest liquor license laws in the nation. Each municipality is only allowed to issue one license per every 3,000 residents, which leads to licenses being auctioned off at sky-high prices, sometimes more than $1 million. Aspects of the original Brickwall plan, such as an open walkway going through the restaurant, were scrapped as time went on. “We thought (Brickwall would) be open by spring, but in construction, unfortunately, things happen,” Lentine said. Despite the delay, construction has begun on a number of other new Campus Town businesses. A hair stylist called Hair Worx, emPower Yoga and a nail salon have all begun construction, according
Phase 1 of the project consists of the new STEM building, an addition to the chemistry building and a Forum connecting the biology building with the new building. The cream-colored bricks of the Forum stand in contrast to the red brick buildings surrounding it. The STEM Building will house the Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, and the Mechanical Engineering.
The new STEM Building is under construction. to Lentine. All current Campus Town construction “should be open” by the fall semester, Lentine said. However, that is not certain. “It really depends on the business,” Lentine said. “So it’s hard to tell (when they will be done).” PostNet, a print shop, and the inFocus Urgent Care are awaiting approval for permits from the Department of Community Affairs, while a gourmet hot dog restaurant — which does not have a name as of yet — is also in talks to open a store. California Tanning backed out of their deal with Campus Town. Lentine speculated that they could not get adequate equipment in the Campus Town lease space. Their sign still hangs in front of building 6, to be removed once another business takes its place. Several other businesses are also eyeing Campus Town lots that — should negotiations fall through — will fill out the rest of
the open storefronts. “By this time next year, it should be fully occupied,” Lentine said. Brower Student Center On campus, Brower Student Center opened its new event space on Sunday, Feb. 5, for the College Union Board’s Super Bowl LI Celebration, but renovations aren’t done yet. Both the atrium and the north entrance remain closed to the public. “The atrium is closed to the public for a few reasons — we recently removed the ceramic flooring, patched the existing concrete and are in the process of installing the new porcelain flooring,” said Matthew Bonomo, the project manager for the Brower renovation project. “The existing lighting fixtures are being removed and replaced with new lights.” These tasks were meant to be completed over winter break, but complications with the new light’s
Joanna Felsenstein / Staff Photographer
wiring resulted in a delay. The project is currently in Phase 3, which comprises completion of the second-floor meeting spaces and bathrooms, until the end of February 2017, according to the campus construction website. Phase 3 also includes the completion of the north entrance and exit, game room and the Dean’s Suite, as well as new atrium stairs, Bonomo said. All work is scheduled to be completed by summer 2017. STEM Complex Rising above the green fence surrounding it, the new STEM Building and Forum seeks to “connect TCNJ students with the synergy and the tools… of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the 21st Century,” according to the College’s website. The project reached it’s 75 percent mark and is aiming to be occupied by summer 2017, according to the campus construction website.
Parking garages Another project was just added to that list. On Jan. 30, students received an email about new fencing and barriers on the upper two floors of Lots 7, 11 and 13 on campus, closing the parking spaces lining the walls of the garages on those floors. “The main purpose is for safety and security,” said Joe Como, the project manager. “And the project entail garage barriers and fencing.” The first garage slated for the project is the Metzger Garage, Lot 7. The construction will be completed in phases between Feb. 9 and Feb. 24. Campus Police will not ticket Campus Town residents — who usually park on the roof of Lot 7 — if they park on lower floors while construction is going on. Overflow parking for residents is also available in Lot 8 by the Administrative Services Building. While the initial email said construction would begin on Thursday Feb. 2, problems with the supplier led to a week-long delay.
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page 6 The Signal February 8, 2017
February 8, 2017 The Signal page 7
Nation & W rld
US entry from Middle East under scrutiny
Travel ban causes protests.
AP Photo
By Eric Preisler Staff Writer President Donald Trump passed an executive order on Jan. 27 that created stricter entry to the United States among travelers and immigrants, particularly among those traveling to and from predominantly Muslim countries. The halt was suspended on Feb. 3 by federal judge James Robart after Washington and Minnesota declared the ban unconstitutional, BBC reported. Travelers with visas from the previously banned nations will be allowed to legally enter the U.S. until the federal case has been heard, according to BBC. The travel ban prevented travelers from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia to enter the U.S. for
90 days, according to CNN. A federal judge allowed emergency entry for people who had already arrived in the country and for those with valid visas who were already in the process of traveling from those countries to legally enter the United States on the night of Jan. 28, CNN reported. Trump’s executive action revoked about 100,000 visas and detained 100 to 200 people in airports across the country, The Guardian reported. Trump said that “while there’s compassion to those fleeing oppression,” his first goal is to keep the nation safe, CNN reported. Despite his intention, there has been widespread disapproval and protest against this recent action. CNN reported that 47 percent favor Trump’s travel ban while 53 percent oppose it. There is a significantly sharper divide politically on the issue of accepting Syrian refugees, with support from 73 percent of Democrats and 30 percent of Republicans, according to CNN. Hundreds protested at airports in major cities across the country, such as New York City, Atlanta, Dallas and Seattle, CNN reported. Rabbi Joel Mosbacher was one of the many rabbis, as well as 2,000 others, to protest in New York at John F. Kennedy Airport, according to the The Seattle Times. “We know what it’s like to be a stranger. … As a person of faith, it was so important to be there,” Mosbacher said, according to The Seattle Times.
There has been disapproval of the travel ban from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which leads the largest refugee resettlement program in the country, and the Orthodox Union, the largest association of American Orthodox Synagogues, according to The Seattle Times. Despite several religious figures vocalizing their disdain for the executive order, some support it. Rev. Robert Jeffress, the leader of First Baptist Dallas felt that Trump was “fulfilling his God-given responsibility to protect this country,” according to The Seattle Times. U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke out against the executive order, according to CNN. The same source reported that London Mayor Sadiq Khan called the ban “shameful and cruel.” Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that all refugees are welcomed in Canada, CNN reported. The New York Times published Section 5 of the executive order, which states that Syrians are prohibited from entering the country until the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program has been revised. Trump informed the Christian Broadcasting Network that he hopes to prioritize Christian refugees, according to The Seattle Times. During upcoming months, Homeland Security and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will determine which countries the U.S. will accept immigrants from in the future, according to The New York Times.
Raid in Yemen kills Navy SEAL and several civilians By Poojita Paidipalli Staff Writer
The White House approved a commando raid against a suspected al-Qaeda base in Yemen that left one Navy SEAL, 13 civilians and 14 militants dead on Jan. 29. The raid was the first military operation authorized by President Donald Trump as the new commander in chief, CNN reported. The Pentagon announced the death of U.S. Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer William “Ryan” Owens and 14 militants as a result of the al Bayda province raid, according to The Guardian. The raid was a counterterrorism operation to gather intelligence on suspected attacks by al-Qaeda. The goal of the operation was to collect enough information to facilitate future attacks against al-Qaeda and prevent terrorist attacks, CNN reported. However, the U.S. military told Reuters
that the operation was approved without sufficient preparation, ground support or proper backup, The Guardian reported. This resulted in SEAL Team Six confronting a heavily fortified al-Qaeda compound defended by landmines, snipers and heavy gunfire from armed Islamist extremists, according to The Telegraph. After the initial announcement that there had been no civilian casualties, U.S. Central Command confirmed that women and children were killed during the raid, according to The Guardian. Through a communications intercept, SEAL Team Six knew the mission had been compromised, but continued to pursue the target approximately five miles from the area they had flown in, according to The New York Times. Briefings suggest that from the start of the mission, the Yemen villagers were alerted regarding the imminent threat of a raid because
drones were flying lower than usual, according to The Guardian. Once the element of surprise was lost, a firefight developed and caused Owens to suffer a fatal wound. The battle involved small arms, hand grenades and air support from the U.S., according to CNN. The special forces were taken by surprise when women started reaching for weapons and shooting back, The New York Times reported. When the Americans called for backup, an MV-22 Osprey aircraft experienced a hard landing and injured three more onboard personnel. “The raid resulted in the seizure of materials and information that is yielding valuable intelligence to help partner nations deter and prevent future terror attacks in Yemen and across the world,” U.S. Central Command said in a statement, CNN reported. Trump released a statement classifying the raid as a success and expressed his
SEAL Owens is a victim.
AP Photo
sympathy for the fallen SEAL. He wished those injured in the attack a full recovery, according to CNN. The president called Owens’s family on Jan. 31 to offer his condolences and flew to Dover Air Force Base to be with the family when his body was brought home, CNN reported.
Trump signs executive order for Mexican border wall
Mexican president says Mexico will not fund the wall. By Rebecca Colnes Correspondent
“It is evident that we have some differences with the new government of the United States, like the President Donald Trump en- topic of the wall, that Mexico, of acted Executive Order 13767 on course, will not pay,” Nieto said, Jan. 25, which calls for a wall to according to CNN. be built between Mexico and the Trump and Nieto were supUnited States. posed to meet in person, but muMexican President Enrique tually decided to cancel the meetPeña Nieto responded by saying ing. Trump stated he will still that Mexico will not pay for the begin the construction of the wall wall, CNN reported. and deal with the negotiations at a
later date, according to CNN. CNN also reported that Trump has also threatened a Mexican border tax. Nevertheless, Nieto would reportedly continue to request peaceful relations with the U.S. and has offered other issues that the countries can cooperate on, CNN reported. During Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, one of his biggest promises was to create this wall to deter illegal immigration and disrupt violent cartel networks, according to The New York Times. The wall is supposed to be an “impassable physical barrier” about 2,000 miles long, according to BBC. The same source reported that Trump estimated the cost of this wall to be about $8 billion. The Bernstein Research group conducted a research study and
estimated the cost to be between $15 and $25 billion, according to USA Today. Congress has agreed to put forth $15 billion for the production of the wall, USA Today reported. When the wall was first introduced, Republicans were not backing Donald Trump, according to CNN. Today, however, more Republicans have sided with Trump, including House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, CNN reported. When asked what shifted Republican views, Secretary of North Carolina and Republican Mark Meadows said, “November 8th,” according to CNN. In addition to the creation of the wall, Trump would also like to create more detention centers, add thousands of border patrol agents and withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities, according to the
Washington Post. The president expects to have an additional 5,000 border patrol agents and 10,000 immigration officials, the Washington Post reported. Trump’s actions are different from the approach to immigration former President Barack Obama took during his two terms. Obama pushed more for paths to citizenship as opposed to keeping immigrants out, according to The New York Times. Many protests against the creation of the Mexican border wall have occurred, according to Time magazine. There have also been demonstrations outside the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, one speaker at the Embassy Protest stated, “We are going to defend our land. We are not going to let you impose your politics of misery on our country.”
page 8 The Signal February 8, 2017
Editorial
Remember the ‘I’ in Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, roses sellout, restaurants fill every reservation and boxes of chocolate pour out of stores. You are meticulously planning a date, a gift or a kiss for your partner. In the midst of all this effort to prove your love for another, did you ever stop to think about yourself? As college students, we’re too preoccupied to ever really consider our own feelings. It’s not easy to evaluate your happiness when you’re balancing clubs, coursework, internships, jobs and social activities. There might come a time that your grade point average drops, applications are rejected and club’s events are scrapped. Classes become difficult. Every exam turns into a giant boulder you’re desperately trying to escape like Indiana Jones. Proposals are quickly dismissed at club meetings. You assume every shortcoming was your fault and that you have disappointed everyone in the process. While lifting all of your burden, you try to fix everything to the extent of mistreating yourself. Less sleep, time with friends and relaxation. Your body bares all of the physical costs. Suddenly stress punches into your head and a lingering doubt emerges. Nothing feels great anymore as life becomes mundane and you constantly play the blame game. Just another failed exam, shaky interview, unproductive meeting and pretentious lecture. Having self-love becomes essential in these situations. In the midst of denying every failure, you forget about who are — your accomplishments, cherished memories, dreams and more. You forget about why you go to the College in the first place. Why do you wake up at dawn to go to class or practice? Why are you willing to dedicate endless hours to a club, greek organization, job or team? In my case, why do I spend so much time at The Signal office every Monday night? Why are you burning the midnight oil to memorize a theory, perfect a technique or beat a personal record? All of this toil does not soil your dignity. Rather, you do it because you love it — repeating that statement is a good step to nurturing happiness. I love what I do. As the sports editor, I love writing about almost every sports team on campus. I love having friends and professors to look up to and laugh, learn and debate with one another. I love having my hard work thrown at me and being told it can improve. Most of all, I love having the chance to pursue a higher education and a dream, especially when so many are not blessed with the same opportunities. So, pick up your head and take a moment to breathe. Tell your loved ones that you love them as much as you love yourself. A little self-love everyday eases the pressure off the daily grind. With much love, — Miguel Gonzalez Sports Editor
Editorial Content Unsigned editorial opinions are those of the Editorial Board, which consists of the Editor-in-Chief, the Managing, News, Features, Arts & Entertainment, Opinions, Photo, Sports, Review and Social Media editors and the Business and Production managers, unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed in signed editorials and letters to the editor are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Signal.
Students need self-love this Valentine’s Day.
AP Photo
Quotes of the Week tcnjsignal.net Email: signal@tcnj.edu Telephone: Production Room (609) 771-2424 Business Office (609) 771-2499 Ad Email: signalad@tcnj.edu
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“I felt pretty excited and starstruck when he noticed the shirt. I didn’t expect him to ask me to take it off. It went from ‘Wow, Eric Andre noticed me’ to ‘Wow, I’m stripping for Eric Andre.’” — Nick Wodeshick, a junior communication studies major
“Even when I talk about it, my heart starts beating faster. I get really anxious because I genuinely feel — and I know this is an irrational thought — but I feel like I failed the people that I met. … It’s like when people see someone from America, they see you as a promise. You’re that glimmer of hope.” — Abrar Ebady, a senior psychology major
February 8, 2017 The Signal page 9
Opinions
We should accept and embrace refugees
What volunteering overseas teaches people about tolerance
Photo courtesy of Olivia Donini
Students volunteer at Patrick Henry Village, teaching children skills that will last a lifetime. By Laura Straub President Donald Trump signed an executive order that indefinitely barred Syrian refugees from entering the United States, stopped all other refugee admittance for 120 days and banned travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries for 90 days. This order includes families with permanent resident status in the United States, people who built a life and career in our free country as well as young scholars and intellectuals traveling on student and work visas. Most importantly, it includes people fleeing wartorn and battle-scarred countries looking for asylum to start a life of hope and opportunity. The past five years have left millions of people searching for refuge in safe countries in Europe and North America. They are searching for places to rebuild their lives and escape terror and trauma. In my experience, refugees are not terrorists or to be feared. Refugees are people looking to get an education, have a successful career and raise a family. These are people who are looking for the safety and security we are granted every day. Last year, I had the privilege of studying in Germany
and volunteering at Patrick Henry Village, the local refugee camp. I spent more than 200 hours interacting and working with refugees looking for asylum status in Germany. I got a firsthand look into the life of a refugee. I met refugees from all over the world. I learned about Christmas traditions from a young girl who traveled through Hungary, Arabic words from a group of Iranian boys and a recipe for rice from two Nigerian brothers. I even read in English to children who would sit on my lap and not understand a word. I watched a father from Syria cry as he told us his children could not read because it was not safe for them to go to school. I gazed at drawings of homes and children in boats. I played soccer with kids from many countries, yelling to them in different languages, but working together for their team to win. But, mostly, I listened to their stories and provided what I hope was a temporary distraction from the turmoil. The diverse backgrounds of the adults at the camp astounded me. I met mothers who were school teachers and helped us run our childcare program. I also met doctors and engineers with degrees that I could only dream of earning and young men from Gambia who could speak four different languages.
I realized these are the valuable people many countries, including our own, are turning away. The motivation and determination to gain asylum in Germany was profound. Everyday, there were long lines for people waiting to get a spot in the German language classes offered. Refugees did hours upon hours of interview preparation with counselors for their asylum hearings. The ambition trickled down to children, as one teenage girl was thrilled about a donation of a biology textbook as it is her dream to become a doctor. Our group of student volunteers hosted a holiday party for the kids with their favorite and most missed food: pizza. Mothers took knitting classes to make hats and gloves for their children, asking for yarn in their daughter’s favorite color: pink. The camp was relatively quiet and calm, unless the young men could start up a camp-wide game: soccer. The time I spent at Patrick Henry Village made me realize that the only difference between a refugee and me is the country in which we were born. Don’t allow fear of the unknown to shape your opinions. Remember that everyone has a social obligation to stand up for what is right. Stand and speak up for acceptance and tolerance.
AP Photo
Trump signs controversial executive order.
Women’s march is for everyone, not just celebrities This letter is in response to The Signal’s Celebritease column published on Jan. 22. By Kiira Jeffers I was disheartened to see a focus on celebrities and not on the everyday people in The Signal’s Celebritease column. While it is great to see celebrities join a cause, this was a protest of the people, created by women and attended by women from all walks of life. According The New York Times, an estimated 500,000 people were at the women’s march in Washington D.C. There was also an estimated 3,000,000 people worldwide who marched in protest of President Donald Trump and the ideals he and his cabinet picks stand for, including sexism, racism and islamophobia. I feel it is necessary to pay tribute to these
average women, as is should be these people whose names go into the history textbooks. According to The Huffington Post, Linda
Sarsour, Tamika Mallory and Carmen Perez were a few of the women of color who began the initial women’s march on Washington.
Thousands march for women in Washington DC.
Flickr
Sister marches took place over the globe in different continents, countries and states, both Republican and Democrat, showing why they were upset with the election. NPR reported the protests did have critics, with many participants protesting the inherent transphobia of relating womanhood to “owning a vagina.” In addition, women of color were concerned that their issues with racism would be overlooked among the throngs of white people protesting. It was absolutely inspiring to see photos of the masses of people who spoke out for what they believe in, and to see what changes Americans can make if they feel the government is not doing what is morally right. I hope these movements continue.
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page 10 The Signal February 8, 2017
Alumna uncovers fate of unrewarded scholarships By Colleen Murphy ’16 alumna Several students and recent graduates of the College applied for scholarship money which, to date, has never been distributed. Not only is this a disservice to those students, but it also does not meet the high ethical and moral standards the College sets for itself. Each year, the College has a school-wide call for applications for its Student Leadership and Engagement scholarships and awards. During my first two years at the College, the award finalists were announced through fliers around the campus. Then, the winners were announced at a pretty lavish ceremony held at the end of each year. I had applied for several scholarship awards those two years and did so again my junior year. However, I never heard anything about the finalists or winners that third year. I let that go, though, and didn’t ask about why the award winners were never announced. But then the call for the Student Leadership and Engagement scholarship award nominations was sent out again during my senior year. I was confused as to why they would hold another round of awards if the previous year’s winners were never announced. Maybe the Division of Student Affairs just decided to run the program differently and they were no longer announcing the winners? To find out for sure, before applying my senior year for the 2016 awards, I called the Office of Leadership, which is the contact for any questions regarding these awards, and asked about the 2015 awards. I was told that the awards were not given out that year and that they would wait until the 2016 awards to hand them out together. I was told that the applications that were submitted for the awards in 2015 were still on file and that they would use those to select the winners. So, it was my understanding that in 2016, the school would learn of both the 2015 and 2016 award winners. In the Spring 2016 semester, the time for the 2015 and 2016 scholarship award finalists and winners to be announced came and went — just like what happened in 2015. Now, maybe they just
Green Hall houses the Office of Leadership. decided to tell the winners they won privately. But I thought the same thing about the 2015 awards and that turned out to not be the case, so I called the office to find out who won the awards. The Office of Leadership provided me a list of winners for the 2016 awards. While I was disappointed to learn I did not win, a couple of my friends were on the list, and I was happy for them. I asked about the 2015 award winners, if there was a record of that since I was told those would be announced in 2016, too. However, I was told that the 2015 applications were used in combination with the 2016 applications. First, it is unfair that the students who applied in 2015 and 2016 had to compete against double the amount of people they should have been now that two years’ worth of applicants were being used to select one year’s winners. In addition, did the 2016 winners receive double the amount of scholarship money (receiving the money intended for the 2015 winners)? I didn’t understand where the 2015 money went. These scholarships are named after alumni, so obviously there are people who donated money and expected a certain amount to be given away each year. I was taught in my journalism classes at the College to “follow the money.” And as a student and former editor-in-chief of The Signal, I really wanted to know where this money — intended for
tcnj.edu
students — ended up. The Office of Leadership told me that since these were endowed scholarships, the Division of College Advancement would be able to answer what happened with the money intended for the 2015 scholarships. After speaking to someone at the Division of College Advancement, I found out where that money ended up: The same place it’s been sitting for the past couple years — in an account waiting to be handed out. The Division of College Advancement told me that while the 2016 scholarship money was given away, its office never received a list of winners for the 2015 awards from the Office of Leadership. And so, the money couldn’t be awarded because the Division of College Advancement had no one to award the money to. While I was pleased to find out that this money was, in fact, set aside for students and students only, I could not believe that there was money sitting somewhere that had not been awarded when it was supposed to. After finding out that the scholarship money was still with the College, I called back the Office of Leadership to ask them about it. The person on the phone told me the office never presented a list of 2015 winners because it was a “busy” time back in 2015. I could not — and still can’t — believe that the excuse I was given as to why these
scholarships were never given out was because the administration was too busy to do it. I couldn’t use that excuse when I had a paper due — why is the Office of Leadership allowed to use it when explaining why scholarship money was not given away to the students who took the time to apply for it? If they were too busy to care about the awards, they should not have advertised them in the first place. I, of course, wish I would have been awarded a scholarship in any of the years I applied, but not having won an award is not why I am so upset about this. My reasoning is that it is so wrong that students spent hours writing multiple essays for several scholarship awards that were then never given out. When I told the office this — that the reason I continued looking into this even after I graduated was because as a former editor of the newspaper, I felt it was my duty to let students know what the school was doing with its money — I was told that this was not a newsworthy story. However, I also learned in my journalism classes to hold the powerful accountable. That’s why I wrote this opinion piece. I am holding the College — specifically the Office of Leadership and the Division of Student Affairs — accountable for not being as transparent as it could have been with students. And so I ask you, the Office of Leadership and the Division of Student Affairs: When will the money that was set aside for the 2015 Student Leadership and Engagement scholarships actually be given to students? To whom will this money be awarded? Do the alumni who donated the funds for these scholarships know their money wasn’t awarded at the intended date? Will you be apologizing to the students who took the time to apply for the 2015 and 2016 awards for not considering their application against only the respective year’s applicants? Should you have let them know you weren’t going to be awarding anybody a scholarship that year as soon as you realized you were too “busy” to do so? And lastly, Office of Leadership, do you now see why this actually is newsworthy?
Faculty responds to Gitenstein’s executive order email
tcnj.edu
Faculty calls on Gitenstein to combat the immigration ban. This letter is in response to an email sent to the College community on Jan. 30 from President R. Barbara Gitenstein regarding President Donald Trump’s executive order suspending immigration as well as restricting entry into the U.S. from seven countries. Dear Bobby, We call on you as president of the College to denounce the executive order banning the entry of nationals from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, Libya and Somalia. This order is racist in targeting nations with majority Muslim populations. It is inhumane in refusing to aid refugees from desperately
war-torn conditions, which the United States has had a hand in creating. The ban is already restricting the travel of individuals in this country as well as those stopped at the borders. It will tear apart families, and it is terrorizing Muslim-American communities, who know they are being stigmatized, racially profiled and identified as potential terrorists. We’re asking you to take a public stand because this executive order is also an assault on institutions of higher education. It drastically curtails our ability to do our work as teachers, students, researchers and scholars in every academic field. The College has made a strong commitment to “global engagement” in its 2021 Strategic Plan. This ban will diminish the College’s efforts to be a site of international cooperation and will compromise the transnational production of knowledge. Under this ban, it is quite possible that international students, faculty, staff and researchers will be excluded from our campus, and that some will be stranded away from their families. In some cases, we may be hampered in hosting international fellowships and conducting collaborative, transnational research. The ban will have terrible repercussions beyond the seven targeted nations. Students from other countries will be afraid, rightfully, to attend schools in such a discriminatory atmosphere. Academics from many countries will understandably boycott our institutions to protest. And, of course, there will be retaliatory bans. Ideas cannot freely circulate when the mobility of our international community is restricted. Academic freedom depends on the freedom of movement across borders. Many have drawn heartbreaking parallels between the
ban on Muslim refugees today and the refusal to open our doors to Jewish refugees in the ’30s and ’40s. We should recall another historical lesson. As you well know, distinguished American institutions were created by intellectuals fleeing from Nazi Germany, including the New School for Social Research and the Institute for Advanced Studies in Princeton, N.J. Where would our institutions of higher education be today without the fundamental contributions of refugees and immigrants from all over the world, in every generation since World War II? This includes every field in the arts, humanities, social sciences and sciences. Respect for this history should help us respond to the current emergency. We hope the College will make a public statement in opposition to the ban. Your leadership on this will help us to connect with other universities and colleges that, in the coming days, will also be making public statements. Collaborative effort is essential now to fight this attack on the values and the workings of the entire academic community. Thank you for reading this. We’re sure you have already thought about this at length and are aware of many more repercussions across the College and academia at large. Please know that we appreciate your leadership during such challenging times, and we look forward to your response. Best wishes, John Landreau and 91 other faculty members See the full list of names on www.tcnjsignal.net
February 8, 2017 The Signal page 11
Students share opinions around campus “How do you feel about the immigration ban?”
Mia Ingui / Opinions Editor
Mia Ingui / Opinions Editor
Amy Napoli, a sophomore biology and psychology double major.
Kate Augustin, a freshman elementary education and psychology double major.
“I don’t really know. I haven’t kept up with it.”
“I’m really frustrated with it. We’re all human — our beliefs shouldn’t dehumanize each other.”
“Did the media cover the women’s march well?”
Mia Ingui / Opinions Editor
Claudia Holonicz, a freshman special education and English double major. “I feel like it depended on the news station. Some are more biased than others.”
Mia Ingui / Opinions Editor
Nanci Babaria, a sophomore psychology major. “There was a lot of coverage, depending on the news outlet.”
The Signal’s student cartoons of the week...
page 12 The Signal February 8, 2017
Arts & Entertainment
Andre / Student chugs ranch at show
Left: Andre confounds the audience with his esoteric sense of humor. Right: Carlos opens for Andre with a less shocking set. continued from page 1 “It’s cool, lots of famous people are Black and Jewish, like Drake and Jesus,” Andre said. “It’s crazy how parents that look like Arthur Ashe and Howard Stern can have a kid that looks like Macy Gray.” Several of his jokes were one-liners that were more absurd than clever. The result was hilarious, as the audience struggled to keep pace with Andre’s frenzied mind. “Last week, I saw ‘Precious’ in 3D while on salvia,” Andre said to an audience in disbelief. Musings like this were expressed without context and warning, adding a level of surprise to already ludicrous statements like “I want to invent a beer helmet, but for cocaine.” “A lot of comedians stay on
their bits for a long time, but Eric jumps from topic to topic,” Wodeshick said. “His energy and unpredictability are great.” There were some topics that he stayed on for a bit longer, including abnormal and sometimes depraved aspects of sex. He told the audience about a sexual practice that is apparently common among Mormon teens. “These Mormon teens aren’t allowed to have premarital sex, so they do this thing called ‘soaking,’” Andre said. “The guy puts his penis all the way inside the girl and then they just stay there. He lets it marinate inside. I guess the idea is that if they don’t move then God won’t catch them.” His material is often inherently offensive, which showed on the faces of some audience
members. One student sitting near the front row even got up to leave during the set, which Andre refused to let go unnoticed. “Where the fuck are you going?” Andre yelled at the bewildered student. Andre then flipped his four-legged stool upside down and told the student to “get three friends and come sit on the stool.” Just when he seemed too crazy, Andre would ease up the subject matter of his material. He told the audience a story of his membership in a rap-metal band called “Ill Minded Prophet” when he was a teenager. “One time we were playing a gig in a burrito shop at 2:30 in the afternoon,” Andre said. “Our singer, who looked like a fat Criss Angel, steps up to the microphone and says, ‘This
song is for my dad…wherever he is.’ Then his dad, who was inside the store raised his hand and said, ‘I’m right here, son.’” Andre then shared a list of potential band names with the audience, including “Dry T-shirt Contest,” “Sister Restrictions” and “Alien vs. Predator vs. Brown vs. Board of Education.” After his set, Andre asked for volunteers from the audience to be interviewed onstage. He chose sophomore interactive multimedia major Steve DiBlasi. “Would you rather fuck your mom or dad?” Andre asked him. When DiBlasi refused to answer, Andre said, “If you don’t pick one, you have to fuck both.” He then asked DiBlasi to freestyle rap for the audience. While DiBlasi tried to think of lyrics with his back to Andre,
Jason Proleika / Photo Editor
the comedian dropped his pants and underwear, tucking his genitals between his legs. He then crept up behind DiBlasi and began to hump him while the audience cheered. Andre ended his performance after a question he posed to the audience: “Who here likes ranch?” He picked two volunteers to come onstage and gave them each a bottle of ranch dressing to chug. One student took a few sips before giving up. The other wore a shirt that read “Ranch Me Brotendo” and held the bottle almost vertically to his mouth as he downed it. Andre’s performance ended as abruptly as his train of thought. After listening to his bizarre humor, it took some time readjust to people saying normal things.
Art exhibit showcases magnificence of bees By Mia Ingui Opinions Editor At 3:55 p.m., the room was buzzing. At 4 p.m., Margaret Pezalla-Granlund, the art director of TCNJ Art Gallery and the Sarnoff Collection, silenced the audience abuzz with excitement and welcomed them to the opening of “A Better Nectar,” the multisensory exhibition developed by Los Angeles artist Jessica Rath. Pezalla-Granlund introduced Rath, telling pieces of her story to the audience. Rath
worked tirelessly for the last decade on the groundbreaking exhibit that showcases bees, who are responsible for pollinating 30 percent of all consumed food. She became especially interested in pollinator-flower communication, as well as the musical world of both the honey and bumble bees. So, she decided to team up with composer Robert Hoehn to bring the multisensory world of honeybee pollination to life on a human-sized scale. “I had an idea a long time ago of doing a human-scale honeybee hive and making it a
Jason Proleika / Photo Editor
Rath’s sculptures attempt to connect the lives of bees and humans.
multisensory piece,” Rath said. “It uses sound to connect all living beings as a colony.” Pezalla-Granlund told the audience that Rath has been hard at work since the beginning of the academic year in order bring this exhibition to campus. Since it is science displayed through art, the exhibit was a collaborative project between several different fields. “For me, ‘A Better Nectar’ is a really compelling example of how art and science can work together,” Pezalla-Granlund said. Pezalla-Granlund introduced the artist, Rath, and her partner on the project, Hoehn, who acted as musical director and composer. Rath began to tell their story. While the project was still in the works, Rath and Hoehn were outside when a swarm of bees came fluttering down the street. “We took that as a good omen,” Hoehn said. The pair were first interested in the honeybees and how Colony Collapse Disorder affects the future of these important pollinators. Their exhibit is inspired by the daily pattern of bees, “translated to a human scale, so that it can be something we understand,” Rath said. “(The exhibit) is scientific information combined with making a poetic gesture.” Rath believes the way to understand the world of the bees is to bring it to life on a human scale.
“You have to have different sensory experiences,” she said. “Your world is a façade created by your sensory perception. There are millions of other species who are having much different experiences.” The exhibit consists of two sculptural structures. One of them, “Resonant Nest,” is a sculpture depicting a bee nest with interactive acoustics, creating an auditory experience for human viewers. The sculpture was crafted from spun fiberglass whipped around a plug mold that was scaled to a human’s actual size. This nest tracks the daily cycle of the hive based on the weather. If the temperature outside is a chilly 30 degrees, then the bees would be in a huddle to keep warm, and those noises will emit from the nest sculpture. “I highly recommend sticking your head inside,” Rath said. The second sculpture, “Staminal Evolution,” was inspired by flora that requires “buzz pollination,” which is when bees buzz at a certain frequency to obtain the desired amount of pollen. “A Better Nectar” also includes a research station, where pollen can be viewed under a microscope, as well as Rath’s photo essay of the researcher’s bee experiment. The exhibit will be on display in TCNJ Gallery until April 9.
February 8, 2017 The Signal page 13
Students publish creations in Lion’s Eye By Elizabeth Zakaim Reviews Editor
A bridge peeking out of the scarlet rose bushes. A ladybug on the stem of a flower. A wide expanse of sand and beach. These are just some of the poignant and vivid images described in the 2017 winter edition of Lion’s Eye, the College’s literary magazine. Published biannually, Lion’s Eye showcases writing and artwork from talented students at the College. Colorful paintings and catchy titles grab my attention as I skim through the pages of the magazine’s most recent publication. The poem “Yellow T-shirt” by junior English major Grace Gottschling describes a father’s shirt and the memories associated with it. “It smelled like you/I think it was your deodorant/You never liked cologne.” With its torn hem, this shirt represented a father lost from a daughter’s life. “You missed snow days/Beach trips/ And the family camping trip/But most of all we missed you.” It makes me wonder how lost this father is –– is he truly gone, or is he still alive, but just distant from his family? There’s a nostalgic, yet bitter tinge to this poem. “I hated your job/But you were my her. ... You left again for another six months/You gave the yellow shirt back.” It sounds like the story of a father who has forgotten a little girl who used to wait up for him when he got home late from work and looked forward to the nights spent watching TV together. It seems like this little girl has grown
up and seen her father for what he really is: someone who has discarded his role as a father. In addition to going down memory lane, this magazine takes me on a busy bus ride in another piece called “My Castle in Weehawken” by senior English major Alena Woods. A photograph of a glorious view of the city by Kimberly Iannarone, a former photo editor for The Signal and a junior psychology major, was placed next to Woods’s “Castle in Weehawken” and illustrates the bustling urbanites she witnesses. As I read her words, I now have a place for my mind to travel. “New Jersey transit buses are arks separating natives from suburban noisemakers. The ones who clog the pores of Port Authority like blackheads: with our inflamed egos and lack of direction.” Her prose creates a memorable image of expressionless transit commuters filling the streets like the pimples on a teenager’s face. It reminds me of the quiet, yet enjoyable train rides I’ve taken from school to home for the past few semesters. I enjoy wearing the blank, anonymous face of any other commuter sometimes –– I feel like I’m blending in with the plain, gray walls of the train station. Other times I’ve felt the same itch that Woods describes: the growing impatience as the bus moves sluggishly through its route or the feeling that I can’t get far enough away from the person next to me. The painting called “Spoons” by freshman psychology major Rachel Edwards is artfully arranged next to “Summer Recipe” by Jackie Delaney, a former member of The Signal staff and a junior
English and publishing and editing major. This recipe, which calls for ingredients such as two teaspoons of bad decisions and 22 ounces of ocean air, reminds us of the warmth of a season so far away. As I flip my way through the pages full of text and art, I stop at Iannarone’s photograph “Lost in Sunset.” It illustrates a well-known hallmark of our generation: the omnipresent smartphone. The word “photoception” comes to mind as I find myself looking at a photo of a girl taking her own picture of the sun setting in between two buildings. It reminds me of the digital world in
which we are all so immersed. Yet, despite how absorbing our phones can be, we can also use them to catch a good picture at just the right moment, just like that girl capturing a golden sunset. For me, this issue of Lion’s Eye is one dipped in both nostalgia and creativity. The stunning photography makes me yearn for the longer days of summer and sunsets on the beach. I find myself thinking over the little moments in life that I wouldn’t normally dwell on –– a bus ride home, holding an old T-shirt –– and wondering if I can find poetry in these small moments, too.
Photo by Ally Marcino
Lion’s Eye features artistic compositions from talented students.
‘Final Fantasy XV’ modernizes a classic franchise By Alyssa Apuzzio Staff Writer Released on Nov. 29, 2016, “Final Fantasy XV” is the latest installment of the “Final Fantasy” series, which is known for its distinct characters, story and acclaimed music. Developed by Square Enix and originally announced in 2005, fans waited a decade to play and experience “Final Fantasy XV,” which definitely stood out from the rest of the series.
The game opens with the main character Noctis, crown prince of Lucis, standing before his father King Regis in the throne room of Lucis. Regis tells Noctis to set forth with his blessing to marry Princess Lunafreya of Tenebrae, a marriage that was arranged politically to designate the union of the states. Noctis will be escorted to Luna by his bodyguards and childhood friends, Gladiolus, Ignis and Prompto. Shortly after setting off to meet Luna in Altissia, Noctis’s royal
car, the Regalia, breaks down, buzz killing the bro trip and forcing the men to push the car. “Not exactly a fairy tale beginning,” Gladio says as “Stand By Me” starts to play in the background, covered by Florence + The Machine. No other song could describe the fierce loyalty and bromance among Noctis and his friends better. I found the main characters to be extremely likeable. Noctis is low-key and stubborn, while Gladio is strong willed and
Noctis and his friends spend time exploring the vast world of Eos.
AP Photo
impatient. Ignis is logical and calm, and Prompto is energetic and funny. Each character also demonstrates their own skills. Noctis fishes, and Gladio’s survival skills allow him to pick up useful items from the field. Ignis can prepare recipes that provide ability boosts, and players can save and share photos that Prompto snaps with his photography skill. Noctis and the gang’s abilities are just one example of how “Final Fantasy XV” incorporates real-world aspects into the game. Players can also order food from diners and restaurants, checkin to motels at night, and set up camp around a campfire while Ignis whips up dinner. As a gamer that has played almost every “Final Fantasy” game, these elements were a pleasant surprise to me and worked well in the game. The game also includes its “Final Fantasy” must-haves, such as chocobos — horse-sized yellow birds you can ride and race — and a male character named Cid. There are at least 80 side quests needed to complete in “Final Fantasy XV,” as well as multiple optional dungeons to explore. Players also customize their characters with the ascension tab on the menu to redeem ability points and choose which abilities they’d like their characters to learn. In addition, the “elemancy”
tab can be used to craft magic spells absorbed from fire, ice or thunder crystals, a similar concept of “Final Fantasy VIII’s” draw system for magic. I absolutely loved the first half of “Final Fantasy XV,” completing a myriad of side quests, searching to purchase every “Final Fantasy” soundtrack for the Regalia and making Ignis cook every possible recipe he could. However, once you complete the story in Altissa, I felt the game’s story moved too rapidly and became too dark. The dreaded Chapter 13, which felt more like a “Resident Evil” game than a “Final Fantasy” game, has enemies popping out of the pitch black and hallucinations from Noctis. The end of the game was a bit confusing at first. I shed tears once it was over and “Stand By Me” was playing yet again. Overall, I would give “Final Fantasy XV” an eight out of 10, and I would definitely play it again in the future. I completely fell in love with the characters and took more photos than I’m willing to admit of the beautiful graphics and the (very) attractive main bros. I ended up playing the game for 60 hours, and while multiple events after Altissia left me in disbelief, low spirits and in tears, I wouldn’t change how many hours I put into this game.
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February 8, 2017 The Signal page 15
J Cole tells ‘Immortal’ tale with ‘Eyez’ This week, WTSR Assistant Music Director Nelson Kelly highlights some of the best new albums that the College’s own radio station, 91.3 FM WTSR, puts into its weekly rotation.
Left: Cole’s songs form a continuous narrative. Right: The lyricism in ‘Eyez’ is clever and powerful. By Sabrina Axelrod Correspondent The latest album from Dreamville Records artist J. Cole, “4 Your Eyez Only,” was released on Dec. 9, 2016. The album, which had the third biggest first-week sale of 2016, according to Billboard, strays from the typical J. Cole that his fans have come to know and love. In his newest album, Cole intertwines themes of life and death through stories about the birth of his daughter and the death of his friend. Unlike Cole’s past albums “Eyez” flows as one
continuous narrative that can only be understood after listening from the beginning to end. Through his 10 tracks, Cole describes getting into trouble with the law, meeting women, falling in love and having a daughter. Not only does he paint the story of his personal life, he also tells stories about his friends’ experiences and their impact on his life. Fans of J. Cole know that he is unlike most rappers. While he does include lyrics about cars, money and women, he also focuses on his life growing up in Fayetteville, N.C. He describes how his hometown
molded him and his music into what it is today. The album starts with the track “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” which is a skit with a beat behind it that sets the tone for his remaining songs. “Immortal,” which was my favorite song off the album, starts off with a thrumming bass that Cole skillfully raps over. His lyricism illustrates most people’s perception of “the hood” and other parts of growing up in poverty. The following song, “Déjà vu,” has an excellent beat and a catchy hook. Cole tells the story of how he met the girl of his
dreams. Cole’s rap takes a slow turn as he talks about what it felt like to fall in love for the first time. He returns to the theme of new love in songs like “She’s Mine Part I” and “Foldin’ Clothes.” The album continues with songs such as “Ville Mentality,” “Change” and “Neighbors,” which detail the struggles of growing up in the ghetto and the temptation to fall into a life of crime. Cole’s story starts to expand in the ninth track of the album, “She’s Mine Part II.” In “She’s Mine Part II,” I figured out that the song about meeting a
AP Photos
woman, and the “Part II” is about raising one. Once I listened to “Part II,” I realized that this album is more than just catchy tunes and hooks — it is one of depth and beauty. In the last song of the album,“4 Your Eyez Only,” Cole raps to his daughter and tells his friend’s daughter about her fallen father. This song gave me the chills and had me listening to the whole album on repeat for weeks. “4 Your Eyez Only” is absolutely a work of art. Cole has a talent for storytelling, and his albums continue to improve.
‘Rogue One’ satisfies fans of series By Khadijah Yasin Staff Writer From high-speed, intergalactic space battles, to Darth Vader’s badass lightsaber and chokehold skills, “Rogue One” was what every “Star Wars” fan and viewer could have hoped for and more. Intended as a prequel to the original trilogy, “Rogue One” takes place during the rule of the evil Empire, before the Rebel Alliance begins its ascent toward victory and the destruction of the
infamous Death Star. The overall plot was unlike any other seen before in the “Star Wars” franchise. The film tells the story of rebellion and sacrifice, a theme touched upon in the other movies. While heroines and underdogs in this film tell a well-known story of good trumping evil, the plot still maintained a realistic and different element to it. Though it was very bittersweet, this pragmatic series of events was quite refreshing and gave way to a
more satisfying experience. The movie primarily focused on Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) and Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) who become unlikely heroes of the resistance. Though the characters were significant parts of the film, director Gareth Edwards intertwines so many plots and storylines, that no character dominated the screen, and by the end, each character’s storyline came to together in a fascinating, unforeseen way. The film’s vivid special effects
Erso is unwittingly drawn into the larger conflict of ‘Rogue One.’
AP Photo
pulled the viewer into the story. The battle scenes and shots of the numerous planets and galaxies made you feel like you were tagging along in the journey through outer space. Edwards makes references to past films that brought a new level of sentiment and nostalgia that will make any “Star Wars” fan shed a tear. You’ll see some old footage from “A New Hope,” intermixed throughout the plot, with other details from the older movies that were very well-hidden unless one is very familiar with “Star Wars.” This makes the experience that much more heartwarming. This film is action-packed, heart wrenching and perfectly balances sentiment and bravery — everything that “Star Wars” fans love. No question was left unanswered, and plots flowed together in the end to make one the most epic finales to date. If you are a secret Vader fan — guilty as charged — you will appreciate the ending because Vader proves how powerful and insidious he actually is. Until the very last second, you are on your toes and cannot believe what you are watching. Then, all of the sudden, the credits are rolling and you are left in your seat — speechless and a little out of breath. Especially in IMAX 3D, “Rogue One” feels like one of the best “Star Wars” films to date.
Band: Cloud Nothings Album: “Life Without Sound” Release Number: 7th Hailing From: Cleveland Genre: Garage Rock with a dash of Pop Label: Carpark Records Cloud Nothings is the recording project by Dylan Baldi, though at thispoint it has grown into so much more. For years, Cloud Nothings has been a goto in the indie rock community, and “Life Without Sound” affirms this. The album delicately waltzes along the line between pop and rock, as the riffs scream grungy garage rock, but the vocals and hooks are so catchy and accessible anyone could pop this bad boy in and get down to it. Must Hear: “Things are Right With You,” “Internal World,” “Darkened Rings,” “Modern Act” and “Sight Unseen”
Band: Japandroids Album: “Near to the Wild Heart of Life” Release Number: 4th Hailing From: Vancouver, British Columbia Genre: Good Ole Garage Rock Label: Anti The Canadian version of the Black Keys is back with the same album for the fourth time. What they lack in album art, however, they make up for in good songwriting and good vibes. If the Black Keys represent the dirty, gritty, underbelly of American music, Japandroids takes everything happy aboot Canada and funnels it into an eight-song album. The title track itself expresses kindred bewilderment that burns throughout eat track. This ultimately results in a very cohesive if samey sounding record full of good vibes and big hooks. Must Hear: “Near to the Wild Heart of Life,” “Midnight to Morning” and “No Known Drink or Drug”
page 16 The Signal February 8, 2017
February 8, 2017 The Signal page 17
Features
10 issues President Gitenstein should consider positions? Right now, there are 83 administrative offices listed on the College’s website, many of which house smaller offices. That adds up to hundreds of administrators, all of whom receive a decent salary. Gitenstein herself makes a base salary of around $355,341, plus a bonus that exceeds $71,000, according to NJ Spotlight. “Gitenstein said that an increase in tuition might be necessary in order to fill a number of new positions,” according to a Signal article from a Board of Trustees meeting last May. Many, not all, of the positions that keep cropping up at the College are actually required by new federal and state regulations. Even so, there has to be a way to keep the cost down.
Photo courtesy of Gitenstein
Gitenstein faces several challenges.
By Sydney Shaw Former Editor-in-Chief
The College is a home away from home for thousands of students, staff and faculty members who live and learn within its colonial-style campus. But like all institutions, it is not without its faults. Some students wake up to the roar of dumpsters getting emptied at 5 a.m., C-Store prices are ridiculously inflated and the din of construction seems to be an evergreen fixture of our not-so-perfect campus. From recycling to mental health care to tuition increases, there are plenty of issues President R. Barbara Gitenstein should think about this spring semester. 1. Which resources will be missing in the wake of the TCNJ Clinic closing: The TCNJ Clinic is set to close at the end of this academic year, taking with it the only source for students to receive oncampus, long-term counseling. Counseling and Psychological Services, located in Eickhoff Hall, follows a model of brief counseling, followed by a referral to an off-campus mental health care provider. “Because CAPS can’t do long-term (treatment), it becomes complicated to place kids who are really struggling and need long-term help,” said Jennifer Sparks, the TCNJ Clinic director. “This is the only on-campus place for that.” Unless the College plans to bolster the services offered by CAPS, there will be a gap in mental health care on campus when the fall semester rolls around. 2. How to prevent another tuition increase: The cost of tuition at the College increased again this academic year, this time by 2.25 percent, or about $245. For students who live on campus, the total increase came to about $658 after housing and meal plan expenses. Believe it or not, hikes in tuition have nothing to do with the College’s many construction projects. Those are funded mostly through state grants. Ideally, tuition would at least remain the same from year to year, but due to a variety of factors that include budget cuts and the hiring of an ever-increasing number of campus administrators, students are forced to pay more out of pocket to attend the College. 3. Why the College has so many administrators: So, why does the College keep adding new administrative
4. How to improve the College’s recycling program: If you’ve been recycling your iced coffee cups from the Library Café, you’ve been doing it wrong. They’re made from a No. 5 plastic, and the College can only recycle No. 1 and No. 2 plastics. In fact, most packaging from on-campus eateries can’t be recycled on campus, including all paper coffee cups, Naked juice bottles and metallic wrapping from breakfast sandwiches. If a campus recycling bin is sullied with too many non-recyclables, the whole bag gets carted off to a landfill, according to the College’s 2016 recycling brochure. Until the College expands its recycling program — or purchases cups and packaging made with only recyclable materials — be wary of what you throw in those blue bins. 5. How to protect foreign students and employees in the wake of Trump’s immigrant ban: On Jan. 30, Gitenstein sent an email to the campus community that addressed concerns about President Donald Trump’s executive order that restricts entry to the U.S. for nationals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Gitenstein encouraged students and employees of the College who are from these countries to avoid travel and emphasized that information about a student’s national origin or immigration status is private. Since I doubt this is the last we’ll hear from Trump on immigration policies, it’s important to continue considering how his executive orders can affect students, staff and faculty. 6. What to do about Loser Hall: Last semester, a group of students uncovered documents that indicate Paul Loser, a former superintendent of Trenton schools and the namesake of Loser Hall, actively opposed the desegregation of the district. Since the revelation, many students, including 154 who voted in The Signal’s online poll, have called for the name of the building to change. In the same poll, 116 individuals voted to keep the name the same, while 27 were undecided. 7. How much longer professors will be working without a contract: Members of the College’s chapter of the American Federation of Teachers have been working without a contract for the past year and a half. That means the 600 or so professors that AFT represents haven’t received a significant raise in wages in more than five years. Now, they have to dish out money to pay for dramatically increasing health care costs. According to John Krimmel, AFT president and a criminology professor, Gitenstein is supportive of the professors’ compensation — they’ve been negotiating with the government, not the College — but it’s worth keeping in mind that most professors make less money than they did in 2011, while
campus administrators have continued to receive annual pay increases and bonuses.
8. Why the College doesn’t have menstrual products in bathrooms: More than half of the students at the College get their period every month, yet none of the bathrooms on campus offer tampons, pads or menstrual cups. Menstrual products are expensive — 40 states still tax these as luxury goods, which is designated for products deemed unnecessary — and many people, even those who take birth control, can’t pinpoint their period start date accurately. A few hours after I began writing this article, I was rushed to the emergency room, where I spent hours in agony from a ruptured ovarian cyst. I was blown away by how many friends and professors told me they’ve experienced the same trauma, a potential side effect of which is an abnormal flow. If my period hits unexpectedly while I’m in class, it would be nice to know there are menstrual products right down the hallway. 9. Who could potentially replace her as a commencement speaker: Students love President Gitenstein, but when Rutgers University hosted a different president — THE president, Barack Obama — at its commencement ceremony last year, students began to wonder why the Git is the most high-profile guest behind the lectern each year. The College is often treated to special guest lectures courtesy of the College Union Board. In recent years, students have had the chance to see Ice-T, Laverne Cox and Humans of New York founder Brandon Stanton deliver inspiring speeches, but celebrities never grace the commencement stage. 10. Whether or not it’s smart to have fewer beds in the “new Towers:” Travers and Wolfe halls might be on their last legs before the buildings are torn down and replaced by a new building for freshmen (and some older students). The newly proposed residence hall, which will cost around $95 million to construct, would have about 200 fewer beds than the current towers, which have about 1,100 beds. Sean Stallings, assistant vice president of Student Affairs, tried to assuage student concerns by pointing out that many of those beds remain vacant anyway, but students posed questions about how the College’s student body can be expected to grow in the future if there are fewer spots for them.
College may tear down towers.
tcnj.edu
Inside Forcina’s new high-tech nursing laboratory By Ashton Leber Social Media Editor
High-tech recording systems, individual screening rooms and up-to-date equipment create a topnotch learning environment for soon-to-be health care professionals at the College. The brand new, fully equipped Nursing Simulation Laboratory in Forcina Hall enables students to practice hands-on, patientbased care. Prior to the laboratory’s opening
in the Fall 2016 semester, the nursing department struggled with space in its laboratories located in the Paul Loser Hall basement. The 3,000-square-foot Forcina Lab is dedicated to providing students the opportunity to learn in a sophisticated environment with several new features. “Forcina Hall has a dedicated room for debriefing, which is essential after any simulation experience,” said Norma Brown, the Simulation and Clinical Learning Resource Center coordinator.
“However, this space could and can also be reconfigured for a simulation room and will be used to simulate a community home health visit this semester, which will help prepare students for the actual home visits.” The lab also includes two examination rooms and four beds to simulate providing care to patients using adult and pediatric mannequins, according to Brown. Essential to the debriefing session, the lab has recording equipment, and the mannequins have
monitors in them, which allows students to go back and critique areas that need improvement. Simulation is crucial to the nursing curriculum, according to Brown. “Simulation is an excellent educational modality to foster this creative challenge to incorporate preventative care into all aspects of health care,” she said. Kristina DeMilt, a junior nursing major, said the lab operates like a real hospital. “We have a drug dispenser, we’re able to call the doctor for
orders and we can view the vitals on an overhead TV,” she said. DeMilt said the lab gives her the opportunity to apply what she’s learned in the classroom. “I am less nervous when I am in the hospital because I have already spent countless hours in the lab perfecting my skills,” she said. While the labs in Loser’s basement will remain operable, students now have additional space to practice in Forcina Hall. see NURSING page 20
page 18 The Signal February 8, 2017
Social Justice, Music, and Education Fridays, 12:30 1:30 PM Lunches welcome www.tcnj.edu/bbs Mayo Concert Hall Music Building TCNJ Campus
How can music have the power to shine a light onto issues of the day and bring people together to witness the violence and to advocate for harmony and peace? Join us!
WANT TO BE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PAPER?
Interested in sports? Entertainment? News?
We’re looking for: Writers - Be the one who brings the story to campus. Photographers - Capture the events and bring the story to life. Assistants - Join our staff and help make this paper happen.
Contact us: signal@tcnj.edu Located in room 204 in Forcina Hall. Meetings every Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
February 8, 2017 The Signal page 19
: Sept. ‘04
Campus Style
Virus attacks College network
Alyssa Gautieri / Features Editor
Failing network leaves students with infected laptops.
Every week, Features Editor Alyssa Gautieri hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories. Students panicked, teacher’s worried and staff scrambled to get the Wi-Fi working after it spontaneously stopped connecting on Thursday, Feb. 2. With the entire College’s Wi-Fi down, all laptops, tablets and cellphones were left useless. While faculty and students were not pleased by the failing Wi-Fi, this technological issue was not catastrophic. In 2004, the College faced a much larger technical issue. During Welcome Week of 2004, many students were left with infected laptops after the IT department discovered the College’s network had a virus. When students first moved back to the College a few weeks ago, they had a lot of things to worry about. Ways to set up their room or getting their books together for classes were among them. The last thing on anyone’s mind was protecting his or her computer while plugging back into the College’s network. However, within a few hours of move-in, most students found themselves struggling to keep their computers up and running. As most students came to realize, their computer problems were due to a stream of viruses and worms that hit the College’s network before and during move-in. New problems arise for computers each day with the development of viruses and worms. Unfortunately, these problems are
spread through networks very easily. According to the College’s Networking and Technical Services Web site, our network connects 31 campus buildings, including 12 residential dorms and 19 academic buildings. Residential Networking Services is responsible for connecting over 4,000 students to this campus backbone network. Craig Blaha, associate director of Information Policy at the College, pointed out how vulnerable a network can be. “A network is a shared resource, a few infected users can seriously affect the entire network,” he said. Christina Rossi, a junior math and secondary education major found her computer giving her issues as soon as she plugged it into the network on move-in day. “I started getting error messages right away and then my computer would start a countdown to shutdown. Two days later I found out I had a virus on my computer,” she said. Many other students experienced the same or similar problems. And as convenient as it would be for Information Technology (IT) to wave their hands and make it all go away, they aren’t easy problems to fix. According to Tom Kline, a Computer Information System specialist, controlling and protecting a network is tough job. “The College’s IT department has a big job ahead of them,” Kline said.
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Left: Students dress for on-campus events. Right: Outfits can be cute and professional. By Jillian Greene Columnist Whether it’s for an in-class presentation or an event hosted by the Career Center, even non-business students will have to put their sweatpants and sneakers away at some point during their college career. Regardless of whether you choose to dress business casual or strictly business attire, I recommend that you stock your closet with a few professional outfits. Aside from on-campus events like career fairs or company information sessions, most students have outside interviews or business meetings to attend by the time their junior year approaches. Students can wear professional outfits if they simply feel like dressing up. But we might as well enjoy our laid-back outfits now, as I’m sure we won’t have as much time for them after graduation. If you’re struggling with your professional style, no need to worry. I have a few
tips for you. The best advice I have is to turn to your peers for inspiration. You can definitely bounce ideas off others and maybe even take a look at a friend’s closet. You should also use your favorite apps, such as Instagram or Snapchat, to search for new ideas. Aside from following other students at the College, I recommend you follow some of your favorite celebrities because it will definitely inspire your professional style. Exploring fashion on social media can help you figure out what you do and do not like. In addition, many websites have a look book feature, or a compilation of photographs that allows you to see various outfits and styles. Wondering where to go? You can always try the department stores at the Quaker Bridge Mall, such as Macy’s or Lord & Taylor. However, if you don’t want to break your bank account, I recommend taking a drive down Route 1 to shop at Marshalls or Nordstrom Rack.
Celebritease : Gaga turns heads at Super Bowl LI
Left: Beyoncé and Jay Z break the news of their growing family. Right: Gaga performs at the Super Bowl halftime show. By Mackenzie Cutruzzula Columnist Beyoncé is having twins. The news broke the internet on Wednesday, Feb. 1, when the artist posted a photo on Instagram. “We would like to share our love and happiness. We have been blessed two times over,” she wrote. “We are incredibly grateful that our family will be growing by two, and we thank you for your well wishes.” The post broke the record for the most liked Instagram, beating out Selena Gomez who previously held
the title. The social media sphere was shocked by the news. Memes instantly surfaced and fans took to Twitter to express their excitement. Over the weekend, Prince Harry got competitive in a charity run alongside the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The royal trio stopped by the start line of the London Marathon Community Track in the shadow of the 2012 Olympic Stadium in support of Heads Together, their ongoing campaign to raise awareness for mental health. “You nearly beat me!” William playfully said to Kate on the finish
line before joking to his teammates that he had tunnel vision during the race, according to PEOPLE. Earlier in the week, Prince Harry hit the town with his girlfriend of nearly six months, Meghan Markle. The two were spotted walking hand in hand in the West End of London. During Super Bowl LI on Sunday, Feb. 5, the ladies of “Hamilton” made a statement during their rendition of “America the Beautiful.” Phillipa Soo, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Jasmine Cephas Jones, the hit Broadway musical’s Schuyler sisters, made
the crowd go wild with their twist on the classic. Lady Gaga turned heads during her halftime performance as she jumped from the top of the stadium to the stage. Singing a medley of her hits in a sparkly one-piece and high heels, the songstress showed off her dance moves. While her songs contain underlying messages about LGBTQ and equality issues, Gaga steered clear of making a direct political statement, despite speculation. Instead, she focused on her showmanship, concluding her performance with a mic drop and a
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football catch as she jumped from the stage. Tom Brady became the first quarterback in history to win five Super Bowl rings. His career has been flooded — or inflated, if you will — with controversy. Nonetheless, he took a 25-point deficit head-on and rallied his team for an overtime victory. Not to mention he looked pretty great doing it. Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, John Travolta and Elton John were among the many celebrities in attendance to watch Brady win the game.
page 20 The Signal February 8, 2017
Nursing / New lab enhances student experience
tcnj.edu
Left: Students participate in simulations. Right: A new laboratory provides real-life experience. continued from page 17 “In the Loser lab, the patient beds are crowded and close together, which makes practicing our skills challenging at times,” said Paige Hammel, a sophomore nursing major. “For example, stretchers and wheelchairs do not fit in between the beds very well.” Hammel said the labs in Loser are outdated, but the new beds in Forcina are nearly identical to the ones used in hospitals today. While Hammel said the technology in Loser is sufficient for learning basic nursing skills, she is eager to become an upso she can regularly the pageperclassman 20 The Signal August 31,use 2016
lab in Forcina. Forcina’s lab is mostly used by upperclassmen because the newer technology helps them prepare for real-life scenarios. “The mannequins go through different scenarios and students must respond,” Hammel said. “This could be something like cardiac arrest where the nursing student must use the appropriate nursing interventions to bring the patient back to health.” According to Brown, the College is “recognized by the National League of Nursing as a school that demonstrates sustained, evidence-based and substantive innovation in student learning and professional development.”
DiDLions you watch the Plate Super Bowl?? Ingredients The Culinary Club Presents...
By Julia Dzurillay Columnist
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Whether you’re enjoying the single life or spending it with someone special, the Culinary Club is here to help! Chocolate is one of the easiest ways to fill a void. It can also be the best snack to enjoy with a loved one. With that in mind, here is our favorite dorm-friendly dessert: a microwave brownie cake in a mug. Ingredients can be found almost entirely on campus. Take a trip to Eickhoff Hall, T-Dubs or the C-Store to find these ingredients. Want to personalize it? Mix in crushed Oreos or Chocolate Vanilla Crème Glutino cookies for a richer chocolate flavor. Or you can choose to top it with peanut butter, bananas or mini Reese’s cups. Cooking is about self expression — let your heart take the lead this Valentine’s Day!
amount of room within the Forcina lab. Hammel said the one thing missing from Forcina is a mural like the one in Loser. “A few years ago, the art club painted a mural on the wall depicting windows and the scene of a hospital to add some color and brightness to the room,” Hammel said. “This helps make the Loser labs feel more homey.” Luckily, nursing students will get the best of both laboratories. “Having the nursing labs in Loser with the addition of the nursing simulation lab in Forcina creates opportunities for our students here at the College to become outstanding professional nursing leaders,” Brown said.
intereSteD in newS? SportS? entertainment?
3 Tablespoons chocolate chips 1 Tablespoon of butter 2 Tablespoons of honey 3 Tablespoons of milk 1 Egg 4 Tablespoons flour 1 Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Place chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe mug and microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until completely melted. 2. Add honey and milk. Stir well until completely combined. 3. Add egg and beat until well combined. (Extra beating with a fork may help you get a fluffier texture.) 4. Add salt and flour. Stir until combined and when you no longer see runny batter or chunks of dry flour. Do not overmix or the cake will be rubbery and tough. 5. Microwave for three minutes.
Do you enjoy watching sports?
Why not try writing for the sports section of The Signal?
Contact the Sports Editor: gonzam23@tcnj.edu Located in room 204 in Forcina Hall. Meetings every Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
Students can cook delicious brownies in their dorm room.
As a result of these achievements, the program has set high standards and will continue to improve its quality of education for those pursuing a profession in health care. Nursing students are required to pass their exams with scores greater than a 75 percent and are asked to drop a course if they receive more than one percentage below this standard. “The biggest achievement (of nursing students) is not failing the exams,” DeMilt said. “Or doing something in clinical that we practiced in the lab, such as inserting a catheter or giving an injection.” The nursing department is thrilled with the up-to-date technology and the significant
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Why not trying writing for
?
Contact us: signal@tcnj.edu Located in room 204 in Forcina Hall. Meetings every Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
February 8, 2017 The Signal page 21
Sports Women’s Basketball
Women’s basketball on brink of playoff berth By Dylan Calloway Staff Writer
The Lions split this week with a win and a loss that put them in a tie for sixth in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. A win on Wednesday, Feb. 1, against Rowan University put the Lions in a three-way tie with Rowan and Rutgers UniversityCamden for one of the final two spots in the NJAC playoffs. On Wednesday evening, the Lions pulled out a win in the final quarter of the game using an eightpoint run to win the game, 56-53. It was another close game that went down to the final moments. On Rowan’s final possession, junior forward Nikki Schott helped seal the Lions victory with clutch defense by first blocking one three-point attempt and then contesting the next. “We’ve had some great wins and some close losses,” head coach Dawn Henderson said. “It is truly the balance of the whole game that will determine the outcome. I always tell the team that you never know which basket, assist, defensive stop, made free throw or missed rebound will be the one that determines the outcome of the game. We need to play together for 40
Amato plays her last home game against the Roadrunners.
minutes, when we do, we are capable of beating anyone.” During the game, junior forward Chiara Palombi and junior guard Charlotte Schum led the way on the offensive side of the ball, with each of them scoring 13 points. Later on Saturday afternoon, the Lions faced the Ramapo College Roadrunners in a 47-42 loss. The Lions fell quickly in the beginning as the Roadrunners
sprinted to a 6-0 lead. Roadrunners freshman forward Jenna Harsh and sophomore forward Tia Solomon scored on jumpers. A sloppy shooting performance for both teams in the first half turned into a closely contested match for the entirety of the game, until the Roadrunners took control in the final minute. The speedy Roadrunners quickly controlled the hardwood in the third quarter. At the 22nd
Photo courtesy of Sports Information Desk
minute, Solomon stole the ball from junior forward Chiara Palombi and leaped in for a layup. Junior Jina Crawford mimicked Palombi’s layup when she caught a fastbreak and scored two points with no opposition. Sophomore guard Nicole Shatsky then countered the Roadrunners attack. She grabbed a pass from O’Leary and hurled in a threepointer. Shatsky’s three ignited the dormant Lions offense.
Soon, freshman guard/forward Christine Woods scored on a jumper shot, putting the Lions ahead, 34-32. The fourth quarter turned into a back and forth affair until the Roadrunners clamped the Lions offense and ran away from Packer Hall with a 47-42 win. Chiara Palombi led the Lions in scoring with ten points. She also grabbed eight boards in the loss. Before the game, Henderson and the rest of the team celebrated their two senior players, guard Kim Dana and forward Katy Amato. “Kim and Katy are hard workers who lead by example for our team,” Henderson said. “I am especially proud of their work off the court in the classroom. Both are outstanding student-athletes.” With the season coming to a close, the Lions only have three more games to grab a spot in the conference playoffs. The Lions head out on the road for both games this week. On Wednesday, Feb. 8, they will play William Paterson University. A win for the Lions would put the two teams in a tie. Then, on Saturday, Feb. 11, the Lions face off against Montclair State University, who are currently ranked first in the NJAC.
Wrestling
Colonels and Falcons throw off Lions out west
Left: Erwin earns fifth place at the Messiah College Open. Right: Schinder gets a win against the Colonels.
By Maximillian C. Burgos Correspondent
The wrestling team traveled last weekend to Wilkes University on Friday, Feb. 3, and then to the Messiah College Open on Saturday, Feb. 4. The Lions ultimately fell to the Wilkes University Colonels, and the team’s record fell, 11-12. Some standouts from this weekend are sophomore Ryan Erwin, who took fifth place at the Messiah College open, followed by junior Kyle Cocozza who finished third place at the Messiah College open. Cocozza also won his match at the Wilkes University dual, along with senior Nick
Herring, freshman Dan Kilroy, who won his match at the dual, and senior Pat Schinder. Other noteworthy mentions include senior Sigala Fosam, who took seventh place at the Messiah College Open, freshman Marcus Sherrod, sophomore Kyle McIntyre and freshman Sean Tonry who also garnered places. The Lions fell 27-16 to Wilkes University on Friday night. They won four of their 10 bouts, struggling early in the match. Herring posted the first Lions win of the night at 165, and Kilroy followed that up with a major decision, 11-0 at the 174. Kilroy’s win shortened the Lions deficit, 12-7. Following a technical fall at 184, the
Lions rebounded and won two straight bouts. Schinder won by decision, 5-4, and Cocozza won by a pin in two minutes and 22 seconds. The rest of the night didn’t go as planned for the Lions, but they came out strong the next morning. Cocozza’s third in the heavyweight class was the highest place for the Lions at the Messiah College Open on Saturday. Cocozza managed to go 4-1 on the day, en route to the bronze. Erwin took fifth place at the 141 weight class, ending the day at 3-2. Fosam took seventh in the heavyweight bracket, though he had to fight his way through four-straight matches in the consolation bracket to earn his seventh place finish,
Photos courtesy of Sports Information Desk
ending the day 5-2. Other notables include Sherrod, earning eighth place at the 157 weight class, McIntyre, taking eighth place at 165 and Tonry, seizing eighth place at 184. Overall, it was a tough weekend for the Lions, but they are confident heading to this weekend’s matches. The Lions travel to Doylestown, Pa., on Friday, Feb. 10, to wrestle Delaware Valley University. The match is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. The Lions also have a home match on Saturday, Feb. 11, against Messiah College. The Falcons are 15-3 in dual meets. They are coming off a flurry of recent victories and two first-place rankings in recent tournaments. The match is scheduled to start at noon.
page 22 The Signal February 8, 2017
Fun Stuff Gear up for Valentine’s Day!
February 8, 2017 The Signal page 23 Cheap Seats
Brady cements greatest-of-all-time status By Michael Battista Staff Writer Minus a stellar halftime show by Lady Gaga, I disliked the outcome of the game. The commercials this year weren’t as memorable as previous years’ and the first half of the game had the beginnings of what could have been one of the ugliest Super Bowls of all time. But Super Bowl LI between the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots turned out to be one of the best football games I’ve ever seen, and Tom Brady has cemented himself as the greatest quarterback in today’s era with the 34-28 overtime win in Houston. Not a single NFL quarterback has taken a team that was trailing 28-3 and pull a one-of-a kind comeback. Down 19 points entering the fourth quarter, Brady was able to pull the upset without tight end Rob Gronkowski. Instead, he used the hands of players like running back James White, who caught 14 receptions for 110 yards, and wide receiver Julian Edelman, who caught five receptions for 87 yards. The fierce comeback led to the team forcing the first overtime in Super Bowl history. They ultimately took their first drive downfield and capped it off with a 2-yard run by White for the winning touchdown. Patriots fans finally have their own version of the famous David Tyree helmet catch from Super Bowl XLII. Edelman was
Brady and Gronkowski hoist the Lombardi trophy.
heading to the ground, surrounded by a handful of Falcons, and losing the ball before re-catching it as the ball bounces off a defender’s leg into his hands. These types of plays make a Super Bowl legendary. The Brady and Belichick connection have earned their fifth Super Bowl with New England, and the former earned his fourth Super Bowl Most Valuable Player honor. An award he was happy to accept from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after his
four-game suspension. With every game comes the loser and now Atlanta can join the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Indians and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels as this year’s squad of last minute chokers. The Falcons were the best team this season on offense leading all NFL teams in scoring with 540 points. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, this season’s NFL MVP and AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year, ended the first half going seven
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for eight with 115 yards passing, one touchdown and a perfect 158.3 passer rating. The birds offense looked like it couldn’t be stopped with wide receivers Julio Jones and Taylor Gabriel going for a combined seven receptions and 163 yards. Atlanta’s defense also seemed to have Brady’s number early on with the Patriots almost ending the first half shutout before a field goal gave them three points. Brady was sacked, the ball was picked twice, once by a strip and
the other by a interception for a pick six. The Falcons, led by New Jersey-native and head coach Dan Quinn, forgot that there’s four quarters to play. Atlanta’s defense, which totalled for five sacks and few penalties all game, could have finish the game earlier. Brady was able to get downfield twice, score touchdowns and then convert two two-point conversions in the final quarter of the game. While that was a testament to their offensive play, the Falcons dropped the ball — both metaphorically and literally as late game play showed. The one drive in the end is going to hurt Atlanta’s fan base for a long time. Just under five minutes to go with the Falcons still leading by eight, the Patriots needed at least two possessions to win. Cornerback Logan Ryan is at the 50-yard line, with defenders all around. He breaks through and throws it up to Jones who somehow catches it in the air before getting both feet in bounds at the 20-yard line. But a number of penalties and stellar defense turned the first and 10 into a third and 33, leading to a fourth down. Out of field goal range, the Falcons had to punt allowing Brady to work and lead his team to tie it up. The game really featured the two best teams in the NFL, each one just shined at a different point. New England was able to shine when it mattered most and their star shone brightest deep in the heart of Texas.
Dominant senior swimmers and divers excel Swimming
Left: Nesbitt helps the Lions win the 400-freestyle relay. Right: Strollo wins the 200-medley.
By Miguel Gonzalez Sports Editor The men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams capped off their regular season schedule, as both zoomed past the William Paterson Pioneers at home on Saturday, Feb. 4. At the last home meet of season, the men’s senior swimmers and divers displayed their dominance. The Lions eventually crushed the Pioneers, 148-83. Senior Sean Johnson cruised to first place in the 1000-meter freestyle event and recorded a time of 10:59.49. Meanwhile, senior Scott Vitabile snagged first in the 100-backstroke and touched the line with a time of 53.93. Not to be outdone by his fellow seniors, senior Ryan Gajdzisz won
the 100-breast and 50-free events. “Gajdzisz and Vitabile are both NCAA champions and multiple all-Americans and set the bar really high for everyone else,” said Brian Bishop, men’s swimming and diving head coach. “Nesbitt and Masciandaro are having the best seasons of their career and Johnson brings a lot of experience as a transfer from Ohio State.” At the diving board, senior David AdlaiGail was allergic to second place. He placed first in the 1- and 3-meter boards, scoring a combined 454.43 points. The seniors were not finished with their demolition until the 400-free relay. The team of senior Andrew Nesbitt, Vitabile and sophomore Alex Skoog raced to the top, recording a time of 3:14.75. At the 200-medley relay, the underclassmen
team of junior Ryan Hackett and the freshmen trio of Zach Volm, Derek Kneisel and Elias O’Connor claimed first place. The women’s team also had a similar experience of washing out the Pioneers with a final score of 175-98. Seniors Sarah Grassi and Brenna Strollo displayed one last great performance at Packer Hall. Grassi graced the diving board and won the both the 1-meter and 3-meter events. At the same time, Strollo led the school of swimmers in the 200-medley and 400-freestyle relays. Although the seniors were meant to shine in their last meet, the juniors also added a grand splash of their own. Starting with junior Marta Lawler, she captured first in the 100-breaststroke and 200-freestyle. In the midst, junior Jill Galindo finished first at the 100-back and
Photos courtesy of Sports Information Desk
junior Cassidy Bergeron won the 100free. Junior Ali Huber also conquered a pair of events, winning the 100-butterfly and 1000-freestyle. The only underclassman to win events were sophomore Hailey Thayer at the 200back and freshman Kaiza Moore at the 50free. Both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams are scheduled to compete in the Metropolitan Conference Championship at Rutgers University on Friday, Feb. 17. The teams are looking to claim first place after finishing in second last year. “Our focus is on using METS as tool to qualify for NCAA’s,” Bishop said. “If we win METS that’s an added bonus. We would certainly like a little redemption after last year though.”
Signal
Sports
Men’s basketball upsets No. 6 Roadrunners By Otto Gomez Staff Writer The Lions suffered its first loss in about a month on Wednesday, Feb. 1, as they fell 88-74 to Rowan University. The loss was not enough to stop their hot play, however, as they bounced back with an 84-78 victory over No. 7 Ramapo College on Saturday, Feb. 4. Against the Profs, the Lions came in with a seven-game win streak, playing their best basketball of the year. However, it was the Profs that opened up the game firing on all cylinders. Reigning New Jersey Athletic Conference player of the week sophomore guard Nick DePersia scored 11 points and senior forward Shawn Wilson scored five of his own, giving the Profs an early 16-4 lead. The Lions answered back behind senior star forward Bobby Brackett, who netted nine points and 10 rebounds in the first half alone before exiting the game due to a knee injury. The Lions still trailed 45-34 at the end of the second quarter. “Rowan is a very good team, especially at home,” Brackett said. “They score the most in the conference and when they’re playing well, they are a very hard team to beat.” The Lions guards put on a show in the second half, as senior guard Eric Klacik hit back to back three pointers and junior guard Eric Murdock Jr. scored
Glover scores nine points against the Roadrunners.
his 1000th point of his college career, becoming only the 24th player in program history to achieve that feat. Their efforts were not worthwhile in the end, as the Profs were able to connect on their free throws late in the game to seal the deal and complete an 88-74 home victory. Despite losing against the Profs, the Lions made a very strong statement on Saturday as they were able to upset Ramapo in Packer Hall by a score of 84-78 in one of the most
exciting games in recent memory. “After losing on Wednesday, we knew we had to come out and play our best game on Saturday,” Brackett said. “Ramapo is a top team in the country for a reason, but we believe when we play our best that we’re a top team, too. Fortunately for us, we played well that day and got a huge win.” The opening 20 minutes were slightly sloppy, but competitive. The Lions connected on just nine of 26 total shots, but were fortunate
Photo courtesy of Sports Information Desk
that five of those were beyond the arc. Freshman Ryan Jensen provided productive minutes off the bench, tallying nine points and securing six rebounds in just 12 minutes. His presence kept the team in the game through the first half, as they only trailed by one. The Lions offense bursted in the second half. The team shot 69 percent from the floor and an incredible 8-11 from outside range. With fewer than two minutes remaining and leading
76-70, Klacik nailed a clutch three on the Roadrunners, his fourth of the game. The Lions then converted on their free throws late in the game to seal the deal and finish with an emotional victory. Murdock Jr. led all scorers with 18 points and a career-high 11 assists. Jensen posted a career-high 15 points on 7-of-11 shooting while junior forward Elias Bermudez finished with 15 points. Klacik added 14 points and sophomore forward Jordan Glover chipped in with nine of his own. The Lions have three more conference regular season games on their schedule, each one as important as the next. The team is on the road this week. On Wednesday, Feb. 8, the Lions trek up to Wayne, N.J., for a match against the William Paterson University Pioneers. Afterwards, they will play an away match against the Montclair State University Red Hawks on Saturday, Feb. 11. The team is aiming for a firstplace finish in the NJAC, but they know it will not be easy. They remain positive, knowing they can compete with anyone. “Now that we’re at the final stretch of our season, we feel like we’re playing our best at the right point in the season,” Brackett said. “We have to continue this for the next three games and into the playoffs in order to win the conference.”
Cross-town rival Broncos outlast hurling Lions
Photo courtesy of Sports Information Desk
Holzbaur claims first in the mile.
By Nicole DeStefano Staff Writer The women’s and men’s track team competed on the night of Friday, Feb. 3, in their annual dual meet against Rider
Lions Lineup February 8, 2017
I n s i d e
University. The Lions put forth a strong showing, but fell short to the Broncos. Sophomore Erin Holzbaur took first place overall in the mile run with a time of 5:15.39. Junior Allison Fournier came in third with a time of 5:23.99. The Lions shined at the 400-meter dash. Freshman Katie LaCapria placed first with a time of 59.63. Junior Jenna Ellenbacher clocked in at 59.90 to catch second place. In the 800-meter race, sophomore Kathleen Jaeger placed first with a time of 2:18.76. Meanwhile, sophomore Madeleine Tattory won the 3000-meter run in 10:53.37. On the field, senior Tracy Prentice cleared 3.26 meters and placed first. Junior Amanda Cucarese also jumped 5.28 meters, placing second in long jump. “I felt really good about my performance,” Prentice said. “It was my best of the season. Getting the win was an added bonus because that was the team’s goal going into the meet. The team works really hard, and it definitely showed in our ability to compete with a division one team.” On the men’s side, the Lions swept
Women’s Basketball page 21
the field in the 3000-meter race. Senior Andrew Tedeschi finished in first place, finishing in at 8:51.06. He was followed by sophomore Matt Saponara and sophomore Quinn Wasko for second and third place victories, clocking in at 8:53.93 and 8:58.14. Junior Dale Johnson and senior Brandon Mazzarella took second and third place overall in the mile run. Johnson crossed the finish line in 4:21.28 and Mazzarella in 4:26.13. Sophomore Noah Osterhus secured a first place victory in the 800-meter race. He clocked in at 1:56.49. In the field events, senior Chris Guglielmo cleared a height of 4.60 meters in the pole vault, finishing in second place. “Everyone really went after their events this week,” junior Amanda Cucarese said. “We did better than expected. “The level of support and enthusiasm amongst the team surpassed that of any other meet. I would say our goal moving forward is to keep the high energy and to continue performing on a nationally ranked level,” she added. With the season winding down, the Lions
Wrestling page 21
will compete this weekend at the Valentine Invitational in Boston on Feb. 10 to Feb. 11.
Photo courtesy of Sports Information Desk
Osterhus wins the 800-meter race.
Cheap Seats page 23